The Khanapur police have cracked a murder case, uncovering a chilling conspiracy led by the victim’s wife and her lover. Shivanagouda Iranagouda Patil, 48, a resident of Baloga, was discovered dead on April 2 near Gadikoppa, his head bludgeoned with a stone.
The probe led to the arrest of his wife, Shaila Patil, and her paramour, Rudrapa Hoshetti.
According to police, Shivanagouda was killed on April 1 while returning home from a fair in Dastikopp. What initially appeared to be a random killing soon unraveled into a premeditated crime.
Investigators revealed that Shaila Patil and Rudrapa Hoshetti were engaged in an extramarital affair, which Shivanagouda had strongly objected to. He had reportedly warned his wife to sever ties with Hoshetti months prior. However, the duo allegedly conspired to murder him.
In a chilling detail, police uncovered that Shaila witnessed the murder live on a video call made by Hoshetti as he struck Shivanagouda with a stone. She is said to have pretended to mourn at his funeral the next day.
Police sources also stated that Shaila, determined to continue her affair, had allegedly paid Rudrapa to execute the crime. Mobile phone data provided vital clues during the investigation.
Both Shaila Patil and Rudrapa Hoshetti were arrested and produced before the court on Saturday. They have been remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues. The incident has shocked the local community.
