Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 4: In connection with the alleged murder of NRI entrepreneur, Bhaskar Shetty, July 3 had been set by the court for cross examination of Bhaskar Shetty's mother, Gulabi Shetty, by defense lawyer, Ashwin Kumar Joshi. As the lawyer was unwell, the cross examination did not take place on Tuesday. The district chief and sessions court here therefore postponed the cross examination of Gulabi to July 6.

On the first day of examination of witnesses on July 2, public prosecutor of the district, Shanthi Bai, had recorded the statement of key witness, Gulabi Shetty. The court had listed Tuesday for Gulabi's cross examination by lawyer for the defendants, Ashwin Kumar Joshi and recording of statement of the then police inspector of Manipal station, S V Girish.

Meanwhile, lawyer for the accused, Ashwin Kumar Joshi from Mysuru, reportedly encountered health problems and had to return to his native place. Narayana Poojary from Mangaluru came prepared to take part in the proceedings in Joshi's absence. He prayed to the court to adjourn the cross examination of the witness. Public prosecutor, Shanthi Bai, objected to this. After arguments and counter arguments took place on this matter for sometime, judge of the court, Venkatesh Naik, postponed the process of obtaining the statement from S V Girish and cross examination of Gulabi Shetty to July 6.

Of a total of 167 witnesses in the case, 44 were scheduled to be examined on July 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, 18 and 19. The court has now cancelled the examination of the remaining witnesses listed for July 4, 5 and 6.

On Tuesday too, elaborate security arrangements had been made at the court complex and police were present in large numbers. Deputy superintendent of police, Sumaraswamy was in charge of security there.