The death of dairy entrepreneur Shivkant Sidnal, son of former MP S B Sidnal, has become controversial as his wife, Deepa, daughter of businessman and former MP Vijay Sankeshwar, has accused other family members of practicing black magic to gain control of the business.
Shivkant Sidnal managed Vijaykant Dairy and Food Products Ltd, known for producing Adityaa milk and other dairy products. The company posed significant competition to Nandini, the brand of milk and dairy products operated by the Karnataka Milk Federation.
Shivkant Sidnal passed away on April 6 this year due to illness. Recently, his wife Deepa filed a complaint at Camp police station against Shivkant’s brother Shashikant Sidnal, Vani Sidnal, and Digvijay Sidnal. She accused them of practicing black magic outside their residence from 2019 to 2024 and also at Shivkant’s grave, allegedly with intentions related to Vijaykant Dairy and Food Products Ltd.
Belgaum Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang stated, “We received the complaint at the Camp police station on June 29, and we have registered an FIR under various sections of applicable laws. Further investigation into the matter is underway.”
Shivkant and Deepa married in 2002 and, together with Vijay Sankeshwar, established Vijaykant Dairy and Food Products Ltd in Neginhal village. The dairy processed 1.20 lakh liters of milk daily and marketed various milk products. The brand had also expanded its presence into other states.
Between 2019 and 2024, Shivkant experienced declining health. During this period, rituals involving black magic were conducted near his residence on full moon and new moon days. Despite Deepa’s earlier complaints to the police yielding no action, an astrologer from North India was eventually consulted. The astrologer identified the occult practices and performed rituals to counter them.
After Shivkant’s death, black magic rituals continued near his grave. Frustrated with this ongoing situation, Deepa decided to file a formal complaint.
