Daijiworld Media Network – Kaup
Kaup, Mar 14: The motive behind the murder of Vanaja Poojary (60), who was killed by acquaintances from a neighbouring house at Manipur Arabi Kanaradi on Tuesday, still remains a mystery. In connection with the murder, the police had taken into custody Valerian Mendonca (59) and Praveen Mendonca (37), who were known to the deceased.
Among the accused, Praveen Mendonca sustained cut injuries and is currently undergoing treatment under police guard at Ajjarkad Hospital. The police have kept the prime accused Valerian Mendonca in custody and are continuing their investigation.
It is said that the deceased Vanaja had arrived in the same auto-rickshaw along with the accused Valerian Mendonca and Praveen Mendonca and had attended a drinks party at Valerian Mendonca’s house.
The murder is believed to have occurred following a quarrel that broke out during the gathering. Though the exact reason behind the murder has not yet been established, people are questioning whether such a crime could have taken place without a strong motive.
It is learnt that the accused Valerian attacked Vanaja with a sharp knife and killed her. Praveen is also believed to have been assaulted, either for opposing the act or for some other reason, due to which he too sustained injuries.
After confirming Vanaja’s death, the accused may have attempted to move the body away from the place or dispose of it. Investigation has revealed that they tried to chop the body into pieces but failed. They then allegedly moved the body out of the house and attempted to wash and clean the bloodstains at the place where the murder had taken place.
The body of Vanaja had more than 30 injuries. Due to deep cuts on the neck, the eyeballs, teeth and jaw, and even the intestines from the stomach had come out. The police are awaiting the forensic and FSL reports as well as the post-mortem report.
Kaup circle inspector Ajmath Ali and sub-inspectors Tejaswi and Shubhakara are investigating the case.