Two held in Kuttappa death case, but their involvement not confirmed: Police

Madikeri, Nov 17: The Kodagu district police arrested two persons for the death of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader D Kuttappa during the communal violence that broke out on the day of Tipu Jayanti in Madikeri on November 10.

70-year-old Kuttappa had collapsed and died when the VHP led protest against Tipu Jayanti took a violent turn. Police had earlier stated that Kuttappa died after he collapsed and not because of stone pelting as alleged by the Sangh Parivar.

However, in connection with the death case, Khalid (26), a resident of Somwarpet taluk, and Abdul Gaffar (22), a resident of Arekadu in Madikeri taluk have been arrested. However, police have clarified that their role in the death of VHP leader was not confirmed.

Inspector-General of Police (Southern Range), B.K. Singh, who confirmed the arrest, said that the accused were identified from the video clippings of the scene of violence.

“The two have been arrested in connection with the complaint of murder,” Mr. Singh said. Though they have been arrested, only an investigation would reveal their involvement in the case, he added.

The two men were produced in court and remanded in judicial custody.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru C. Shikha on Monday began the magisterial probe into the violence in Kodagu by visiting the residences of the two persons who died.

She visited the home of Kuttappa in Somawarpet and interacted with his wife and daughter.

Ms. Shikha also visited the house of Shahul Hameed, who died of bullet wounds suffered on the day of violence. The Deputy Commissioner met Nazeer, Shahul Hameed’s father, who sought expeditious investigation into the death of his son.

Ms. Shikha said she would submit a report to the State government in 30 days.