Belthangady: Auto driver’s mortal remains found in pond; murder suspected

Belthangady: A 37-year-old  man’s mortal remains were mysteriously found in Guruvayanakere pond in the Kuvettu village after he left to attend a Mehendi ceremony on Wednesday, November 30.

The deceased has been identified as Praveen Pinto, a resident of Shivajinagara Mane of Kuvettu village. He was an auto driver by profession.

It is said that on November 29, Praveen informed his wife that he would be attending a mehendi ceremony near Amar Jaal in the Odilnala village late that evening. His wife called him around 1.40 am and he promised to be home shortly but never did.

The next day morning, his driver’s license and other vehicle documents were found near Guruvayanakere Pond.

Soon after, police officers, firefighters, and volunteers from the Shaurya disaster management team searched for Praveen’s body in the pond.

Later, diving specialists were also called, and at 2 pm, Praveen’s body was removed from the pond.

His body was taken to a private hospital in Mangaluru for a post mortem after Praveen’s family members expressed suspicion about his death.

Police said that Praveen called a close friend just moments before he died and said that he is ending his life.

Reshma Juliet Lobo, Praveen’s wife, claims to be aware of a verbal argument between Pradeep Shetty and the deceased that took place at the Mehendi ceremony.

On November 30, around 3 am, a car also arrived near Praveen’s house. In addition, Praveen’s red t-shirt is missing. She has requested a thorough probe into the matter.

A case has been registered.