Kerala youth shot dead in K'taka

Karnataka, Aug 22: A youth from neighbouring Kerala, working in a mine in Virajpet taluk in Kodagu district of Karnataka, was gunned down by a group of villagers, last evening.

Superintendent of Police Ramachandra Rao said today that the villagers of Bittangala opposed mining activity in the area and clashes were reported in this regard for the last two years. The matter was pending in the court.

Yesterday, one Joman Jose (25) and others, supported by their advocate, removed some saplings planted by the villagers, blocking their way. Enraged by this, a group of villagers, led by one Machaiah, attacked Jose with boulders. As he fell down, Machaiah shot him from point blank range.

He said a complaint had been lodged against eleven people and four of them taken into custody. The main accused, however, was absconding.

UNI