Man killed by cousin for illicit affair

Vijayapura: A man was allegedly murdered by his cousin over an illicit relationship with the latter's wife in Jamakhandi taluk.The burnt body of Somu Padasalagi, 36, a farmer from Kannolli village, was found inside his car on Tuesday morning. Police said the murder was staged to appear as a car fire accident.After examining the scene, Savalagi police suspected foul play and detained the victim's cousin, Sadashiv Padasalagi and his associates, Ravi Patil and Navi. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to the crime.Police said the accused followed Somu on Tuesday morning, stopped him near Kannolli village, stabbed him to death, placed the body in the car, poured petrol and set it on fire. They later claimed he died after the car caught fire due to a short circuit.Investigators said Somu was allegedly in an illicit relationship with Sadashiv's wife for three years, leading to frequent quarrels. SP Siddharth Goyal visited the spot and reviewed the situation.