Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SD)

Udupi, Oct 12: The Karnataka government has been issued a notice by the Supreme Court on a plea for bail moved by the astrologer accused in the murder of businessman Bhaskar Shetty in 2016.

The astrologer, Niranjan Bhat, allegedly conspired with the victim's wife Rajeshwari and had an alleged illicit relationship with her. They allegedly murdered him and burnt his body in a 'homa kunda' leaving no traces of his mortal remains.

Bhaskar Shetty

The bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramaniam has asked the state government has been asked to submit a reply within two weeks on the petition, reported Deccan Herald.

The petitioner, Niranjan Bhat had challenged the validity of the high court's order of July 27. On May 10, 2019, the high court after noting the apex court had disposed off Bhat's plea for bail stating that some material witnesses were yet to be examined and it would take six months. Bhat was asked to move his plea after that.

The HC stated that some witnesses were recalled at the instance of the accused and they are to be cross-examined through video conferencing. The victim's wife has been granted bail.

Bhaskar Shetty was brutally killed at his residence in Indrali here and then his body burnt in a homa kunda at the house of astrologer Niranjan Bhat at Nandalike near Belman. The murder had created quite a sensation in the coastal region. Bhaskar's wife Rajeshwari Shetty, son Navaneet Shetty and astrologer Niranjan Bhat are the main accused in the case. Srinivas Bhat, father of Niranjan Bhat and driver Raghavendra who were arrested for destruction of evidence, are out on bail.