Twist to charred body car in forest: 5 including wife and children arrested

Shivamogga: The case of the human skeletal remains found in a charred car at the Mitlagodu forest area of Tirthahalli taluk has taken an interesting turn. The deceased has now been identified and suspected killers have been arrested by the police.

The deceased was identified as Vinod (45), a resident of Muslimpet in Achapur village of Sagar taluk. Preliminary investigations revealed that Vinod was murdered, brought into the forest in a car, and set on fire.

Wife, children, brother turn killers:

Members of the Jedikuni gram panchayat had complained about the discovery of a burnt car with a skeleton inside. On investigating, Tirthahalli police found that the deceased Vinod’s wife, two sons, nephew of the wife and the deceased’s younger brother to be involved in the murder.

Family feud is believed to be the reason for the murder. The police investigation revealed that the five accused hatched the murder plan on September 25.

On the morning of September 26, they also purchased petrol from a petrol bunk in Anandapura. On the same day at around 8.30 PM, Vinod was killed at his home using rods and a hammer.

The perpetrators then ferried his dead body in his car taking a roundabout route via Yadehalli, Riponpet, Hunchadakatte, Shankralli, and Mallesara and eventually to the Hunasekoppa forest area in Mittlagodu village and set it on fire.

The suspects had taken extraordinary care to evade the authorities. The accused had switched off their mobile and left them at home to evade suspicion. They had returned home after ditching the car number plate and Vinod’s mobile phone somewhere on the way.

The killers had also cleaned the murder spot with phenyl to erase any evidence. They had also burned the clothes and footwear used during the crime.

During the investigation, the police, who were suspicious of the family, intensified the interrogation and the full details of the murder came to light. The police have booked the five for murder.