Karnataka priest murder: Wife, lover among 4 held in canal killing

MANDYA: The district police cracked the murder case of a temple priest reported missing earlier this month at Srirangapatna taluk. The victim, Siddalingappa, 50, a resident of Maralagala village, was found murdered following an investigation that revealed a conspiracy allegedly involving his wife and her associates.

According to police, Siddalingappa left home on March 6 to perform rituals at Ganapathi Temple in K Shettahalli village, but did not return. The family members began searching for him and discovered his sandals, bloodstains, and scattered religious items near the CDS canal. His motorcycle was later found submerged in the canal, raising suspicion.

On March 7 morning, his body was recovered from a canal sluice gate with severe injuries to the head and face. The victim's brother, Balasundar, lodged a complaint at Srirangapatna Rural police station, and a case was registered under relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The investigation was conducted under the supervision of SP V J Shobharani, who formed a special team to probe the case. During the investigation, police uncovered that the victim's wife, Shalini, 32, was allegedly involved in an illicit relationship with a truck driver, M C Harisha, 33. Police said the priest earlier confronted the duo, which reportedly led to his murder.

On the day of the incident, Shalini allegedly informed Harisha about her husband's movements. Harisha, along with his associates — M R Santosh Kumar, 29, and B R Ganesh, 29, intercepted the priest near the canal bank. They allegedly assaulted Siddalingappa with clubs, killing him on the spot, and threw his body and motorcycle into the canal to project it as an accident.

Police said the accused even attended the victim's funeral to avoid suspicion. However, based on technical evidence and interrogation, the four suspects were arrested, and the cellphones used during the crime were seized. The accused were produced before a court for further legal proceedings, police said.