COD investigation into Padmapriya death begins

Udupi, Aug 14 (UNI) The Corps of Detectives (CoD) which has taken over the investigation of a case of missing and the death of Padmapriya from Udupi Police had filed an application in the Chief Judicial Magistrate court here seeking one-day police custody of the main accused Athul Rao, for interrogation.

However, the lawyer representing the accused could not file any objection against the application as the lawyers are on indefinite strike since yesterday protesting against the alleged assault by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) personnel, on two lawyers who had gone along with other 11 lawyers on a pleasure trip to Sirimane Falls on August 9. The lawyers of Udupi Bar Association continued their boycott of the proceedings of the court here for the fourth day today.

Padmapriya, wife of Udupi MLA K Raghupathy Bhat, who was missing from her husband's house from June 11 last was found hanging herself in +Dwaraka+ flat in New Delhi on June 15.

The Udupi police arrested Athul Rao, a close friend of Mr Bhat, on June 23 and he is now in the judicial custody.

UNI MA MSP TS1841