The mystery over the death of a physically handicapped person found lying on the road near Shikaripur six months ago has been resolved. Police had earlier concluded that it was a hit-and-run case but following a tip-off, reopened the case and found the killer to be the victim’s own elder brother. On Saturday, the accused was arrested.
According to police, Kumar (28) and Umesh (38), both farmers of Amatekoppa village near Shikaripur, were brothers. Kumar was physically challenged and was being looked after by Umesh and his wife.
In 2014, Umesh hatched a plan to kill his brother for insurance money. He insured his brother for Rs 45 lakh and took two policies from two different companies. Umesh included his name as the sole nominee and paid the premiums till April 2015.
On May 1, Umesh took his brother for a ride in his tractor and on reaching a place near a bridge away from his village he pushed Kumar down and later crushed the tractor on his body to make it seem like a road accident.
The next day he lodged a missing complaint with police who were trying to figure out the identity of the person who died in the accident. Unable to trace the vehicle, police finally recorded the accident as a hit-and-run case.
Three days ago, police received an anonymous letter stating that Umesh was trying to get the insured money of his brother as nominee and that it was a case of murder. Police team then summoned Umesh to the station and interrogated him on Saturday. Umesh spilled the beans, was arrested and sent to Shivamogga jail.
The Times of India
