Udupi: Exclusive - 'Bhaskar never confided in me', says mother Gulabi


Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JS)

Udupi, Aug 13: The sensational Bhaskar Shetty murder case has rocked the entire Udupi district, and indeed the coastal Karnataka region, like no other case, at least in the recent past. It has been compared to the Tandoor murder case of Delhi (1995). There is still no clue of the body or its remains, even though police have found some bones in the Palli river. It is a case that has all the elements of a suspense thriller - a failed marriage, love affair, money, property dispute, involvement of an astrlolger, and of course, allegations of police bungling the probe and being 'hand-in-glove' with the accused.

There have been several statements in the media by all and sundry, some contradictory, some plain conjectures, and others, perhaps the truth. In an exclusive interview, daijiworld brings the facts of the case straight from the horse's mouth, that is, from Bhaskar's mother Gulabi Shedthi, who was the first to suspect her daughter-in-law's role in her son's disappearance.

 

 


Excerpts


How was the relationship between Bhaskar and his wife Rajeshwari? What do you want to say about the case?

Gulabi: After coming to India from Saudi, he used to come to my house daily but never stayed overnight. He would say whatever he wanted to say and then leave. He never spoke about his wife, and we too did not try to interfere in his matters as we felt problems between husband and wife are common.


Did you stay with the couple in the initial days of their marriage?

Gulabi: He and his wife used to stay in our house. Initially for one year she was with us. Whenever she went to her parental house she used to stay there for two-three days. Within an year of marriage, he took her to Saudi. They were together in Saudi for 10-15 years but every year they used to come to our house and stay and then return to Saudi. They then rented a house in Kinnimulki for four or five years and thereafter built Hotel Durga International there.


Why do you think they built a house here even though they had such a big business in Saudi? Was it for their child?

Gulabi: When Rajeshwari was pregnant she came here and was here for quite sometime even after the delivery and later went to Dubai. The boy (Navaneeth) studied till fourth standard in Saudi and then came back to India. As Rajeshwari said she was not comfortable there, my son built a house here. After that the mother and the son lived here, and Bhaskar used to visit them for a month or two and then go back.

Whenever they came to our house she used to be good with all. I would hardly ever go to their house but this was because we had a lot of work at home and paddy fields to manage. My husband and I were the only ones staying in the house as our children are settled abroad and other places.


Did Bhaskar Shetty ever ask you to stay with him and his wife?

Gulabi: Actually it was her problem. She wanted chicken and fish every other day and we used to prefer vegetables and rasam. We never cook non-veg as we have a temple. We have been vegetarians for about 30-40 years. But neither of them openly spoke about living separately.


There are rumours that Bhaskar Shetty wanted to divorce his wife and they were not on good terms. Did you have any information in this regard?

Gulabi: No. He never told these things to me. I do not know about it.


How many children do you have?

Gulabi: I have seven children and Bhaskar was the second one. First is a daughter. Three of my children live in Saudi, among whom was Bhaskar. The rest are daughters and stay with their husbands. Bhaskar was friendly and shared a good relationship with every sibling.

He never confided any of his problems in me. A day prior to his disappearance, that is on Wednesday (July 27), he called me up and said that he would be coming to my house on Thursday (July 28). I was waiting for his arrival but he never came. I told my grandchild (not Navaneeth) to call Bhaskar on his mobile phone but it was switched off. I also asked my son-in-law to enquire. Then I came to know that Bhaskar's son had hit him, kicked him and caused him injures at Hotel Durga. He was also beaten up at home later after the house door was broken open.


Why do you think he went home even after his son beat him?

Gulabi: Even I told him not to go and that his wife was a bad person. He said that he would go to the hotel but instead he went to the house.


A few say that he was about to write his assets and properties in your name. Did he tell this to you?

Gulabi: He never told me about it. We did not know what was in his mind. On Thursday (July 28) he did not come to our home and hence I called the relatives.


You filed a police complaint but did you call your daughter-in-law Rajeshwari? Or did she enquire about him with you?

Gulabi: Neither of us called up each other. I told my son-in-law to check if his car was at his house or at the hotel. But his car was not there at the hotel. When my son-in-law decided to check at his home with the hotel manager, he saw Rajeshwari bringing Bhaskar's car while the son was driving her car and going towards a store room. Suspecting that something was wrong, or that we might be in some trouble, my son-in-law called my grandchild and asked him to bring me so that we could file a complaint and take the police with us to her (Rajeshwari's) house. So after we filed the complaint the police took us to the house. They checked everything and went to the first floor. I couldn't go with them as I could not climb the stairs. They said he was not there and after that Rajeshwari left the place.


Wasn't there a driver for Bhaskar Shetty's car?

Gulabi: He used to drive his car himself and go alone wherever he had to go.


When he was physically assaulted the first time, did he not complain to the police or get a bodyguard?

Gulabi: They say he had given a complaint to someone in the taluk office. I do not know the name exactly but he did it for protecting himself. I came to know about this only after his death through someone.


What action did the police take after filing the complaint?

Gulabi: Police enquired them (Rajeshwari and Navaneeth) but I do not know what the police asked and what they said. And it seems she said Bhaskar never told her where he used to go. Police told me this. She did not speak to me even after this incident. In his house, along with the mother and the son, I have also seen that astrologer (Niranjan Bhat) and other people. There were his sandals and his car. How could he disappear all of a sudden? He went home at 3 pm on the day of the murder.


Did he speak to you before going home that day?

Gulabi: No. But he told me he would come to my house soon. And that he would go to Hotel Durga as she never cooked.


Bhaskar's brother-in-law has claimed that Navaneeth was a test tube baby. Is it so?

Gulabi: The person (Jogu Shetty) who said Navaneeth was not his son must have said it out of shock at losing his brother-in-law as they were very close. I ask your pardon on his behalf. It is false.


Rajeshwari, Navaneeth and Niranjan have admitted that they killed Bhaskar Shetty. Also, there is news that a few members of the family too colluded with them. What do you have to say about this?

Gulabi: The other persons could be her relatives but we cannot say it with certainty. She alone with two others cannot chain him after spraying chilly powder and drowning him in the tub as he weighed 75 kg. There must be a few more people involved. He was a perfectly fit man. I want my son back and not his wealth. If they have killed him I want to know the motive for the murder.


Are you happy with the investigation so far?

Gulabi: They (police) are saying they have recovered bones but they are smashed. The question is, is it possible that bones of a person weighing 75 kg not be recovered? I cannot say this. My only wish is that these people are punished. We have been trying hard only to get justice. We are in a confused state right now and we are in a situation where we cannot come to any conclusion to about conducting the necessary rituals also.


District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj has given assurances and the Bunt community is also standing by you. Finally, what do you want to urge the police department and the judiciary?

Gulabi: We urge the police department and the media to give us justice and that is the only request I have.


What will be your next step, if you do not get justice now?

Gulabi: We have been trying hard to get justice, that is our only request. This kind of tragedy should not happen to anyone, that is my only wish.

Watch video : Gulabi Shedthy speaks to daijiworld tv (Exclusive) :

 

On the Murder Trail:

  

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Comment on this article

  • Rita, Germany

    Sun, Aug 14 2016

    Poor Lady,It is too much for her.Loosing a healthy son not with sickness but with nasty methods from his own Family,wife,and son.I just wonder this mother how she can overcome this tragedy.One Thing I didnt understand,they are shetty and having a temple,and veg cooking.is it new?or built private temple?My heartfelt sympathy to this great Lady.let us wait and watch the further process.I think she doesn't want tell certain familaer things to the public.she denys many things.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amin Bhoja, Patte / Riyadh

    Sun, Aug 14 2016

    A agony mother and her unseen pain for her child!!!

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • V V, Bajpe / Bahrain

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    Smt Gulabi only knows pain by losing one of her child ... Really sad incident .... There are so many self claimed astrologers in and near to mangalore ...police should stop these people ./. What to do? They have blessings from politicians / cine stars ... For Niranjan big dhanda required or feed him 6 kg red potato (Kereng ) . Then only truth will come out ..,,any how may Bhaskars soul rest in peace

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kusuma Kumari G Nellore, Kodyadka

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    If police are smart they can find the truth in no time. Niranjan Bhat is a weak link in this case and he will spill the beans. Its easy Only thing police must take action. Action by good officers are needed.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lancy D'souza, Mulki/Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    To Bring the truth, all they need to perform 'Danda Pooja' (Beating) from female police officer.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya, Belman/Wash DC

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    Not going to happen...before the murder Shetty's wife and Son have done ' 2 Koti Tulasi(?) Archane' to Police...its effect we could see everywhere...

    I feel sorry for poor Gulabi Shetty...it must be too much for her going through this...no mother should go through this....

    ...JH...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chetan .S, mangalore

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    THIS CASE IS AN EYE OPENER TO ALL MARRIED SINGLE PEOPLE THOSE WORKING SPECIALLY IN GULF THAT TIME TO COMEBACK TO INDIA AND BE WITH FAMILY .INDIA IS DOING GOOD EVEN THOUGH ONE WILL EARN LESS MONEY BUT LIVE IN HAPPINESS.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • V C, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 14 2016

    at this juncture don't criticize. what you said was absolutely false survey. As per the ratio,even couple staying together involve in various illicit relationship which is also alarming. it's a question of individual conscience and let's not conclude based on this episode.

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • juliana, udupi

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    It is a missing case and under investigation. It is not proper to interview his mother during investigation as being a mother her sorrow is unimaginable. Unless something visible of his physical existence is traced, it is unpredictable. But as per the mother, his car and sandals were found at his residence when she visited his house with the Police when he did not go to her house as promised. So the mystery of him is inside the house and the people in the house when she went there.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • abdul sattar H.S., Moolur/ Jeddah

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    " O MA O MA" Tou kitni pyari hai..........................
    Tere bete ke khatilon ko insaaf milna mushkil hai kiyonki police khud khatilon ko acche hotel mey khana khilati hai.
    Agar bulao tou Annamalai jaise IMANDAR ASP ko. Tab jakar insaaf mil sakta hai aapko, Thank u daiji for disclosing CCTV in Nitte hotel.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • PEDDU, MANGALURU

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    SHREEMATHI GULABI SHEDTHI NEED JUSTICE

    WHERE IS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT NOW ! WHERE IS THAT SO CALLED ORGANIZATIONS NOW
    WHERE IS THAT HUMAN RIGHTS ORG. ????

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roger, Mangalore

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    i wont be surprised if this is a vanishing act, Does anyone know financially how stable was Mr Bhaskar,did his business flourish or was it under a loss and he may have been in a huge debt and this is a hooked up story by the family nevertheless nothing can be predicted as daily there are interesting turns in the case

    DisAgree [8] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rema, Hanglur in Kundpaura

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    I understand the pain of a mother here. The police must speed up investigations and bring in justice

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Asranna R M, Mothimahal Flanir

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    I feel very sad,I through gone the same problem some years back when by bro was murded. God please give justice to this family

    Asranna
    Mothimahal

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues., Frazer Town,Bangalore

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    Media is confusing the public by giving conflicting information and when the case is under investigation all this to be stopped for fair trial

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • rajesh, udupi

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    women's commission should come to her help. Seems like women's commission is busy helping those women with boyfriends register false cases on husbands and it is also busy in taking selfies with raped women. what is women's commission doing except for sending notice to salman and some petty issues here and there?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Krantiveer, Kunjarugiri Cross/Kurkal

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    Sarakarigudde (Subhasnagar) is the place where Bhaskar Shetty was grown up, we can see Hindu, Muslim And Christian people living peacefully. In a year three times Sauharda Samithi gather to celebrate Christmas, Deepavali and Eid. My humble request to the organisers please support Gulabi Amma to get justice and show not only the Bunt community, we all Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities with her.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajay Lobo, Mangalore

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    Poor mother. Selfless mother lost her son. Hope she will get justice soon. All people should support this helpless mother in order to get justice.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • MR, Shimoga

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    My heart Aches for this mother. May god give her strength to bare her loss.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben Pinto, Australia

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    Gulabi amma is one beautiful soul. Nobody can get angry with her even if they want to.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Nashville

    Sat, Aug 13 2016

    With what face can he tell her ...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Udupi: Exclusive - 'Bhaskar never confided in me', says mother Gulabi



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