The Yamakanmardi police have solved a significant murder case involving contract killers, arresting six individuals, including two women. Belagavi District SP Bhimashankar Guled shared details of the breakthrough during a press conference.
The investigation pertains to the death of Mahantesh Bhimappa Sutgannavar (38) from Haldkeri village in Hukkeri taluk, who died under suspicious circumstances in April 2024. Following a complaint by his brother, Kallappa Bhimappa Sutgannavar, alleging foul play, police launched a thorough probe.
Two special teams, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Shruti, uncovered a shocking conspiracy. Mahantesh’s wife, Mala, admitted to planning her husband’s murder, citing family disputes as her motive. She allegedly paid ₹70,000 to Akash Basalingappa Gokavi, a hired killer, to carry out the crime.
Further interrogation of Akash linked him to two other murders:
Nagappa Vitthal Mareppgol (34): In 2022, Nagappa was killed after his wife, Yallava, and her lover, Siddappa Malgi, conspired with Akash. Nagappa, who had confronted them over their affair, was lured on a pilgrimage, strangled, and his death staged as a suicide on railway tracks near Parknatti.
Vitthal Malgi: In 2023, Akash, along with Appanna Mushappa Nayak and Ramesh Lagmapa Malgi, murdered Vitthal, who had mortgaged his farmland due to alcohol addiction. The group intoxicated and strangled him at Kundargi mountain, staging his death as a road accident before cremating his body.
The six arrested include:
- Mala, Mahantesh’s wife.
- Akash Basalingappa Gokavi, the main accused.
- Appanna Mushappa Nayak.
- Ramesh Lagmapa Malgi.
- Siddappa Malgi.
- Yallava, Nagappa’s wife.
The suspects face charges of conspiracy, murder, and destruction of evidence. SP Guled assured strict action to bring justice to the victims and their families.
The case has shed light on the grim prevalence of contract killings in the region, driven by personal conflicts and financial motives.
