Times News NetworkColva: Four Karnataka residents accused of murdering a fellow native in 2019 were acquitted after the prosecution failed to establish a complete chain of circumstantial evidence. Additional sessions Judge Ram S Prabhu Dessai held that the disclosure and recovery panchanamas cited by the prosecution could not be treated as incriminating circumstances against the accused.Prosecutors alleged that on Jan 16, 2019, at Anmod Ghat, Laxmi Arahunasi, Suresh Pujar, Jagdish Dhodamani and Muttana Anawalad strangled Sanganagouda Arahunasi, disposed of his body, and poured acid on his face to disfigure him and conceal his identity. The state claimed Laxmi had an illicit relationship with Suresh for over six years and that they were driven by a desire to gain control of the deceased’s property. Jagdish and Muttana were accused of facilitating the offence by arranging a vehicle, rope, and acid.The court, however, found the motive, “last seen”, and corroboration unproven beyond reasonable doubt.
