A well-known short story writer, leading feminist and freedom fighter, who met her tragic end at the young age of 27  

By C.P. Belliappa

Ramaiah couple in Madikeri, Kodagu, welcomed their youngest girl child Gowramma, on 5th March 1912 (not to be mistaken with Victoria Gowramma of Coorg, who was born in 1841).  The little bundle of joy immediately became the family favourite, what with elder sisters too playing mother to the baby.

Pampered by the family, Gowramma soon displayed a mind of her own and would not stop until she got what she demanded.  What was striking was her intelligence.  She surprised everyone with her precocious self-confidence, which in her adult life led to Gowramma emerging as a well-known short story writer with strong emphasis on feminine issues.

When Gowramma was six years old, her parents decided to make the arduous pilgrimage to Kashi. Arrangements were made for Gowramma to stay with her sisters since the journey to Kashi and back would take more than a month.  When Gowramma got wind of her parent’s plan, she threw a massive tantrum.  She insisted on being taken to Kashi. All the cajoling failed and her doting father had to relent.

However, this pilgrimage turned out to be a huge tragedy. Gowramma’s mother, Nanjakka, took ill during the train journey and by the time they reached Kashi she was critical. There was very little Ramaiah could do and within days, his wife died. Grief-stricken Ramaiah  performed the last rites on the banks of the Ganges. 

He now had the sole responsibility of looking after Gowramma who did not grasp the full import of the event. Ramaiah took the little girl for shanti pujas at various temples. In the hustle and bustle of Kashi, Gowramma got separated from her father. Ramaiah was despondent searching for the little girl. 

The sun was about to set and as a last resort, Ramaiah located the Police Station to seek their help. When he stepped into the Police Station, he was aghast to find Gowramma seated on the table chatting with the Constables. Relieved, he took her to Kashi Viswanath Temple to thank the Lord.

Several months passed before Ramaiah could come to terms with the tragedy. It was time for him to start planning Gowramma’s education. When Ramaiah mentioned a government school, Gowramma vehemently insisted on being admitted to the elite St. Joseph’s  Convent in Madikeri. 

Ramaiah, as a vakil, had good earnings and he agreed to Gowramma’s preference.   Once in school, Gowramma blossomed.  As her education progressed, she became increasingly inquisitive and bombarded her teachers and elders with queries.  Soon, she took to books and was a voracious reader. She knew far beyond her age and developed an independent intellect of her own.

However, society functioned differently. By the time Gowramma was 12 years old, her father and the rest of the family started looking for a suitable groom. They identified a young man named G.T. Gopalakrishna. She still had another year to complete her matriculation.  While accepting the man chosen for her, Gowramma told her father that she would move to her future husband’s home only after completing matriculation. Knowing how recalcitrant she could be, Ramaiah accepted her decision.

Gowramma’s wedding at young age of 13

Thirteen-year-old Gowramma tied the knot with Gopalakrishna in 1925 and moved to Sunticoppa where Gopalakrishna worked as a manager in the estate of a prominent and progressive coffee planter — Gundukutti Manjunathayya. 

They had comfortable accommodation in the plantation and had access to several facilities including a tennis court and a natural swimming pool in the stream that flowed through the coffee estate. Gowramma took to playing tennis and learnt swimming much to the consternation of members of her conservative family.

The Navodaya Movement in Kannada literature was at its peak at the time.  The movement initiated around the 1900s by B.M. Srikantaiah (BM Sri) encouraged original thoughts in Kannada literature and motivated writers to integrate the essence of English literature in exposing social evils in society. 

This renaissance in Kannada literature gave Karnataka brilliant litterateurs such as Shivram Karanth, Da. Ra. Bendre, Panje Mangesh Rao, Kuvempu,  D.V. Gundappa, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar and many others.  Gowramma immersed herself in reading books, short stories, poetry and essays by these eminent writers. 

Gowramma felt strongly about women getting raw deals at every level of society.  She was troubled by the fact that women were not protesting, rather, were helpless, in the blatant patriarchy, discrimination, caste rigidity, and atrocities against them.

What bothered her the most was the plight of widows.  She questioned child marriage, the dowry system, denying widow remarriage and treating them as outcastes; and lack of education for girls.

Gowramma’s very first short story written in 1931, when she was nineteen years old, was titled ‘Punarvivaha’ (Remarriage).  It’s a powerful story about a 35-year-old widower wanting to marry an attractive 15-year-old girl not knowing the girl was a child widow. When the girl reveals this to him, he is angry and disgusted. 

After a long dialogue, she holds up the mirror to the man of the double standards in society.  Finally, ashamed of himself he falls at the feet of the young widow and dedicates his life fighting misogyny in society.

In another story ‘Aparadi Yaru?’ (Who is Guilty?), Gowramma portrays the sad story of a young widow with a child who is excommunicated and is helpless and destitute. She had no recourse but to convert to another faith. In some of her stories, young widows, betrayed women, jilted lovers and abandoned women are driven to extreme despair and suicide.  

There are also stories by Gowramma, such as ‘Paapana Maduve’, ‘Kausalanandana’, ‘Sanyasi Ratna’, that are playful and have happy endings.

Mahatma Gandhi in Kodagu and freedom movement

Gowramma was an ardent admirer of Gandhiji and actively supported the freedom movement.  During a brief sojourn of Mahatma Gandhi in Kodagu in 1934, Manjunathayya drove the Mahatma in his car to various places in Kodagu. Gandhiji visited Manjunathayya’s estate for a break and met leading freedom fighters. 

Many women in Kodagu came forward to donate their jewellery to Gandhiji towards his charitable deeds. Gowramma decided to part with all her jewellery but wanted Gandhiji to personally visit her house. However, she was told to meet the Mahatma at Manjunathayya’s residence. Gowramma vehemently insisted Gandhiji visit her humble abode and went on a hunger strike! 

When Gandhiji heard about this he sent word for Gowramma to first come to Manjunathayya’s bungalow to break her fast and promised to visit her house.

Gowramma received an orange from Gandhiji who then accompanied her to her home. Gowramma gave away all her valuables except for her mangalsutra, earrings and nose stud. Gandhiji was most touched by this noble gesture.

By 1939, Gowramma had written 21 short stories, and these were published in periodicals such as ‘Prajamatha’, ‘Jaya Karnataka’, ‘Rastrabhandu’ and ‘Jayantha’.  Her writings were well-received by the public and were appreciated by well-known writers of the time such as Da.Ra. Bendre, Shivram Karanth, D.V. Gundappa, Muliya Thimmappaya et al.  

Interaction with eminent writers

Gundukutti Manjunathayya’s estate attracted these eminent writers, and this allowed Gowramma to interact with them. Gowramma received support and encouragement from contemporary feminist writers such as Nanjangudu Tirumalamba and R. Kalyanamma.  

Da. Ra. Bendre mentored Gowramma and advised her to publish an anthology of her stories.  Gowramma selected 12 of her stories and titled the book ‘Chiguru’ (tender shoot).  She requested Bendre to write a foreword for the collection, which he readily agreed. 

A month before the manuscript was to be sent to the publishers, Gowramma, for reasons unknown, changed the title of the book from ‘Chiguru’ to ‘Kambani’ (tears). Bendre was intrigued and was to make a few changes in his foreword.

It was a salubrious sunny day on April 13, 1939.  Gowramma, her husband Gopalakrishna and a nephew were to accompany Manjunathayya for a swim in the stream. Gopalakrishna had urgent work and was to join them later.  Gowramma walked to the stream where Manjunathayya and her nephew were already in the water. 

As usual, she climbed onto a branch overhanging the stream and dived into the deep end of the natural pool. When Gowramma did not resurface, Manjunathayya and her nephew were concerned and raised an alarm. Estate workers rushed to the spot to help but to no avail.  

Divers retrieve her body later in the day. It was the most tragic day for her husband and eight-year-old son Vasanthrao, as well as the world of Kannada literature. 

The literary world lost one of its most promising writers. Bendre, who used to refer to Gowramma as ‘nanna thangi Gowramma’ was heartbroken. He not only wrote a touching foreword for ‘Kambani’ but also penned a tearful poem eulogising Gowramma. She has left a lasting legacy as a writer, a leading feminist and a freedom fighter.

An English translation by Deepa Bhasthi, of Gowramma’s 21 stories, titled ‘Fate’s Game and Other Stories’ has been published recently.

I am thankful to Advocate S.R. Jagadeesh, a grand nephew of Gowramma, for sharing details of Gowramma’s life and for gifting her biography ‘Kodagina Gowramma’ by H. Nagaveni.

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Kushalnagar: A 57-year-old man took his own life after an accident resulted in the death of a 24-year-old youth. The elderly person, who is said to have taken the extreme step overwhelmed with grief, is identified as H.D. Thammaiah.

The incident occurred in Madikeri last Friday when the youth Dhanal Subbaiah’s motorcycle collided head-on with H.D. Thammaiah’s bike at Chain Gate premises.

While Dhanal Subbaiah, a resident of Kandanakolli near Haleri, was pursuing his Master’s degree at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College in Madikeri, Thammaiah was a resident of Heravanadu near Madikeri.

Due to the impact of the accident, Dhanal Subbaiah sustained severe injuries and was transported to a hospital in Madikeri. Despite the medical efforts, he did not respond to treatment and succumbed to his injuries at 3 am yesterday.

According to family members and Police, Thammaiah was upset following the accident which concerned his family members. Thammaiah unfortunately took the extreme step of ending his own life just hours after the death of Dhanal.

The man hanged himself at his home. The circumstances surrounding the accident and the subsequent suicide are currently under Police investigation. While the Madikeri Town Police is handling the accident, Madikeri Rural Police Station is investigating the suicide case.

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Madikeri: In a landmark decision penalising a home stay that was being run without proper ventilation and safety precautions, the Kodagu Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has asked the home stay owner to pay a compensation of Rs. 37.50 lakh to a 55-year-old resident of Mumbai whose daughter, an MBA graduate, died at the facility in 2021.

The judgement was delivered on Jan. 22 by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission chaired by C. Renukamba and member Gowrammanni following a petition by Eshwaran, a resident of Mathunga in Mumbai and his wife Gomathi Eshwaran.

The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2021 where Vigneshwari Eshwaran, who worked in a private firm in Mumbai, died of a gas leak from a gas geyser at Coorg Valley Home Stay near Dairy Farm (Madikeri Fire Brigade). The facility was owned by Shaikh Mohammed Ibrahim. Mukthar Ahmed and Pandiyan were the managing directors.

Vigneshwari and her friends Madhushri, Akshata, Surabhi and Kashish decided to go to Madikeri to witness Dasara. Madhushri booked the Coorg Valley Home Stay from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25 and paid Rs. 1,000 in advance.

At 8.30 pm on Oct. 24, Vigneshwari had ventured into a small bathroom of the accommodation facility that had only minimum ventilation. As she did not return even after a long time, her friends knocked on the door but there was no response. With the help of the staff, they broke open the door and admitted her to a nearby hospital, where the doctors declared her dead.

The Madikeri Town Police booked a case and later, the post-mortem revealed that carbon monoxide poisoning from the geyser, coupled with a lack of ventilation in the bathroom, caused Vigneshwari’s demise.

Soon after the incident, the Kodagu Home Stay Association clarified that the home stay where the tragic incident occurred was illegal and no permission was sought from the District Administration. The home stay owner lived abroad, the Association had stated.

Following the death, Vigneshwari’s parents Eshwaran and wife Gomathi Eshwaran filed a case in the Kodagu Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission seeking compensation.

The Commission determined a compensation amount of Rs. 37,50,120, factoring in her monthly salary of Rs. 20,833 over 30 years with a 6 percent interest rate. The Commission mandated the payment within 45 days and imposed an additional Rs. 2 lakh fine for the mental anguish and negligence inflicted on the victim’s family.

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Paadi Igguthappa Temple to bloom in 5 lakh flowers 

Madikeri: A vibrant Fruit and Flower Show is scheduled to take place at the renowned tourist destination Raja’s Seat in Madikeri from Jan. 26 to 28 as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The Kodagu Horticulture Department is actively engaged in necessary preparations. 

The Raja’s Seat garden will be adorned with a total of 20 varieties comprising 15,000 flowering plants, including chrysanthemum, salvia, orchids, daisies, marigold, zinnia, dianthus, vinca rosea, or Madagascar Periwinkle, Cockscomb, and dahlia, all meticulously grown in pots and trays.

The main attraction of this year’s show will be Kodagu’s ancient temple Sri Paadi Igguthappa Temple, located at Kakkabbe. The 15-feet-tall floral replica with length and width of 48 feet and 28 feet respectively will be designed using roses, chrysanthemums and orchids. Over five lakh flowers will be used to create the model.

In celebration of Republic Day, the event will feature impressive models depicting soldiers, cannons, and various exhibits showcasing the prowess of the country’s Armed Forces. Additionally, butterfly wings, balloons, and mushroom models will captivate visitors. For children, there will be special attractions featuring popular cartoon characters like Chhota Bheem, Barbie Doll, Spider-Man, and Bat-Man crafted from an assortment of vibrant flowers.

A total of 13 diverse exhibits have been meticulously planned, utilising over 8 lakh flowers to bring these models to life. Within the garden premises, an array of decorative flower pots will be artistically arranged, forming a breathtaking display of fruits and flowers.

This year, Republic Day coincides with the fourth Saturday and Sunday public holidays, leading to an anticipated significant influx of both tourists and locals. The event promises to be a delightful experience for all who attend, with the vibrant floral displays and creative exhibits adding a touch of magic to the celebration.

In addition to the flower-adorned artefacts and creatively arranged photo frames, a designated selfie zone is under construction to enhance the visitor experience. Furthermore, the event will pay tribute to distinguished personalities from diverse fields through unique artworks crafted from fruits and vegetables, adding a distinctive touch to the exhibition.

Enthusiasts can also anticipate the inclusion of ornamental plants, including bonsai and ikebana flower arrangements, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the exhibition. With these diverse elements, the event promises to provide a captivating and visually enriching experience for all attendees.

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• Rs. 9.7 crore project first proposed in 2022; cost now escalates to Rs. 12.26 crore
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to lay foundation stone later today

Kushalnagar: Madikeri, often referred to as the Scotland of India, is on the brink of witnessing a ground-breaking development with the establishment of a state-of-the-art Sub-Regional Science Centre and Planetarium.

The Department of Science and Technology is spearheading this endeavour, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 12.26 crore. The foundation stone for this significant project will be laid today (Jan. 25) by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at 4 pm.

Situated amidst 3 acres of pristine land in Karnangeri village, Madikeri, the facility is poised to boast an 8-metre dome dedicated to constructing the planetarium. Minister of Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, N.S. Boseraju, who is also the Kodagu District Minister, underscored Madikeri’s unique advantage of minimal light disturbance at night, making it an ideal location for observing stars and planets.

In a press release, Boseraju emphasised the Department’s commitment to promoting science and technology, fostering scientific education, nurturing rational thinking, and enhancing awareness about astronomy. The initiative is geared towards establishing science centres and planetariums across district centres in the State.

With its unpolluted skies and negligible light interference, Kodagu district provides an exceptional environment for stargazing. Minister Boseraju drew parallels between Kodagu and other picturesque locations such as Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, Run of Kutch in Gujarat, Nile Island in Andaman and Nicobar, and Matheran in Maharashtra.

The sub-regional science centre and planetarium project aim to kindle interest in space exploration and offer valuable educational opportunities to students in the district.

Proposed in 2022

The Sub-Regional Science Centre and Planetarium was proposed for the first time in 2022 and the then Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.C. Sathish had secured approval from the BJP Government and the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTPS).

The project was estimated to be established with Rs. 9.7 crore. While Rs. 4 crore was approved for the Science Centre, Rs. 5.7 crore was reserved for the mini Planetarium. Now the cost has been escalated to Rs. 12.26 crore.

The construction was to adhere to environment-friendly practices and the buildings were proposed to be designed to harmonise with the geographical and weather conditions of Kodagu district. The Science Centre was proposed to have an outdoor area specifically designed for children, providing them with a hands-on learning experience through scientific experiments.

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Madikeri: An Ex-Serviceman and his three-year-old daughter were killed when a Bolero SUV and a Maruti Omni van collided head-on on Madikeri-Kushalnagar Highway near Aanekadu in Kodagu yesterday.

The deceased have been identified as Rajesh Devaiah (38), an Ex-Serviceman and his daughter Nancy Bollamma (3), residents of Basavanahalli village in Kushalnagar taluk.

Rajesh, who had gone to Madikeri to attend the naming ceremony of the daughter of his wife Smitha’s sister, was returning to Basavanahalli with his daughter Nancy in his Maruti Omni van.

When they were proceeding on Madikeri-Kushalnagar Highway near Aanekadu, a Bolero vehicle, carrying estate workers from Chanakal Kaval in Periyapatna taluk towards Boiekeri, collided head-on with the van, killing Rajesh on the spot and seriously injuring Nancy. Nancy breathed her last while being shifted to Madikeri District Hospital. Bolero driver Arun, estate workers Jayalakshmi and Neelamma, who have sustained severe injuries, have been admitted to Kushalnagar Community Health Centre.

Due to the impact of the collision, the Maruti Omni van has been completely mangled. Kushalnagar Police, who have registered a case, are investigating.

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Madikeri: A massive Shivalinga, believed to dating back to the era of Pandavas, has been unearthed in South Kodagu, evoking astonishment among the residents and coffee estate owners.

Situated at the base of Kunda Hill (Kunda Betta) in Ponnampet taluk of South Kodagu, this giant Shivalinga was uncovered beneath a majestic tree within the coffee plantation owned by Gummattira Kilan Ganapati and his brother Gummattira Darshan. The Gummattira family’s land, where this remarkable find occurred, boasts an illustrious history spanning nearly 800 years.

Nestled beneath a ‘goli’ tree

Upon the discovery, senior priests and elders from the Gummattira family, who visited the site, expressed unanimous agreement regarding its profound significance. Measuring 4 feet in height and 3 feet in width, the ancient Shivalinga was nestled beneath a ‘goli’ tree, believed to emanate immense divine power. Plans are underway to construct a temple at the site in the future, symbolising the historical and spiritual importance embedded in the land.

The revelation came to light through Kalyatanda Ajjappa, who disclosed the existence of a buried Shivalinga within the coffee estate. Despite an initial search around a tree, it yielded no results. Later, a decision was made to excavate the area using heavy machinery. To everyone’s surprise, a colossal Shivalinga was discovered deep within the base of the tree.

Excavation yields intriguing artefacts

Further excavation efforts unveiled an array of intriguing artefacts beneath the Shivalinga, including a ‘tirthanala,’ an elephant pillar, stone bricks, a Somasutra, a ‘Panipeeth’ and a host of base stones. Each item has been meticulously preserved and sheltered, with plans to incorporate them into the construction of the upcoming temple.

Residents and priests have drawn attention to the notable proximity of the Shivalinga’s discovery to the revered Eshwara Temple atop Kunda Betta. A stone temple without a door believed to have been constructed in a single night, stands not far from the discovery site, where Lord Shiva is still worshipped at Kunda Betta.

Kalyatanda Ajjappa’s guidance

It is speculated by the priests that the installation of the Shivalinga may date back to the time of the Pandavas’ ‘Ajnathavasa,’ suggesting a purposeful act to facilitate their worship of Lord Shiva during their sojourn in the region.

However, it was noted by a team of priests from Karkala that a portion of the Shivalinga had suffered damage in the past. In historical context, Shivalingas were traditionally crafted using white and wild stones, consistent with the materials used in constructing this particular Shivalinga.

The Shivalinga initially obscured in mud, underwent ceremonious worship upon its recovery. Under the adept guidance of Kalyatanda Ajjappa, the intricate process involved lifting the Shivalinga, a task that proved challenging to accomplish directly, necessitating the use of a rope. Subsequently, following Ajjappa’s counsel, the Shivalinga was skilfully pulled with the assistance of calves.

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Madikeri: Three engineering students drowned in Barapole (Konkana Hole) River at Beguru village in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district yesterday afternoon.

The deceased students are Rashik Kushalappa (20) of Srimangala Nemmale village, Mangetiera P. Akash Biddappa (20) of Jodubeeti village and Uluvangada Sudesh Aiyappa (20) of Srimangala village. All the deceased were pursuing their second year engineering course at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT) at Ponnampet.

A total of four students had gone to Barapole River which is 5 kms away from their college yesterday afternoon and three of them ventured into the waters while one of them sat on the banks as he was suffering from leg pain. When the three students entered the river, they were swept away due to strong current and were drowned.

Ponnampet Police, who rushed to the spot, fished out the three bodies with the help of Teetimada Pavi, Kademada Anil Kalappa, Teetimada Sadan and Teetimada Suguna. The Cops conducted mahazar, registered a case and shifted the bodies to Gonikoppa Government Community Health Centre for post-mortem.

Gonikoppa Station House Officer (SHO) B.S. Roopa Devi, Ponnampet SHO Naveen, Srimangala SHO Shivanand and staff visited the spot and conducted an inspection. Ponnampet Police are investigating.

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Madikeri: Leo, the crime detection dog, which had served for 10 years and 9 months at the Kodagu District Dog Squad, has passed away following illness on Dec. 21.

Leo was inducted into the Dog Squad on Feb. 26, 2013 and had retired from service on Nov. 17, 2023.

Leo, the German Shepherd, had taken part in 380 crime detection cases,  traced four bodies during the landslides in 2018-19, traced 46 persons who had committed crimes, provided clues in 22 criminal cases, had bagged prizes for three times at the State-level Police Sports and four prizes in the Zonal-level and had detected narcotic substances during checking at check-posts.

The last rites were held yesterday in the premises of the District Armed Reserve (DAR) Police in Madikeri with full Police honour.

Kodagu SP K. Ramarajan, Additional SP Sundarraj, other Police officials and staff paid their last respects to Leo.

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On trail of criminals, Police scan more than 400 CCTV cameras in Kodagu and Kannur 

Madikeri: The Kodagu District Police have solved a case involving the robbery of Rs. 50 lakh from a contractor from Kerala and his friend after they were kidnapped. Six individuals have been arrested.

Kodagu Superintendent of Police, K. Ramarajan, announced this at a press conference held at his Office in Madikeri last evening. The Police have recovered Rs. 3 lakh along with two cars and one pick-up vehicle. The crime took place on Dec. 9 at Devarapura village near Gonikoppa town in                                          Ponnampet Taluk.

The Police confiscated the gold that was sold to a jewellery shop on Ashoka Road in Mysuru. It was revealed that 993 grams of 24-carat gold (99.99 percent pure) was sold to the jewellery store for Rs. 62 lakh.

On Dec. 9, the contractor, K. Shamjad from Kodakkad, Tirurangadi taluk, Malappuram district in Kerala and his friend Afnu, a student from Adarur Panchayat limits, Kozhikode, were kidnapped by a gang of individuals in four vehicles at Devarapura. The victims were later abandoned and the assailants fled after robbing them.

Accused from Kodagu, Kerala 

The arrested individuals are Prashant (40) and Ramesh alias Ganja Ramesh (39), residents of Peggerekaddu Paisari at Bittangala village, P.C. Ramesh, (46), a resident of Virajpet Arasu Nagar (does cleaning work in a fish shop at Maggula village), B.G. Nagesha, (42), a resident of Arji village, Jamshad (29) and Harun (29) from Konnaperambil in Kerala. ‘Parole’ Dinesh, a resident of Malethirike Hill in Virajpet, is the main accused, currently serving a sentence in Thrissur Jail for a murder case.

All the individuals involved were well-acquainted with each other and meticulously planned the robbery, stated SP. Ramarajan, who elaborated on the efforts made by teams of 40 personnel, which included three Circle Inspectors and seven Police officers and headed by Additional Superintendent of Police Sundar Raj, Virajpet Dy.SP and Circle Inspector Manjappa.

Out on parole to loot

Technical teams were also engaged to aid in the investigation. As the inquiry progressed, technical information surfaced indicating the involvement of local individuals. Upon authentication and subsequent interrogation of some suspects, it was revealed that the main accused in the case is ‘Parole’ Dinesh, who was on parole at the time of the incident.

Nagesha not only provided accommodation in a Virajpet lodge for the group, but also supplied a dongle and a SIM card. He had affiliations with a pro-Hindu organisation and engaged in criminal activities to secure protection for his actions. Prashant, the accused pickup driver, collaborated in the crime along with ‘Ganja’ Ramesh and another Ramesh, who served as the cleaner.

Kodagu-Kerala link

The main accused, ‘Parole’ Dinesh, orchestrated the crime while on parole from Thrissur Jail. Presently incarcerated, a ‘body warrant’ will be obtained for further interrogation. ‘Parole’  Dinesh acted as the connection between the accused in Kerala and Kodagu.

The SP highlighted that ‘Parole’ Dinesh has a criminal record. In the course of the investigation, more than 400 CCTV cameras in Kodagu and Kannur (Kerala), along with various roads and tolls, were scrutinised to crack the case and their footage has been seized. Teams diligently tracked the visuals from Kodagu to Kannur to identify the accused and track them, added the SP.

Attempt to divert investigation

Over 10 individuals are suspected to have been involved and efforts are underway to arrest them. The complainant, Shamjad, had told the Police that he was robbed of Rs. 50 lakh, the proceeds from the sale of 750 grams of gold in Mysuru. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of a gold jewellery dealer on Ashoka Road in Mysuru. During interrogation, the dealer revealed trading 993 grams of gold valued at Rs. 61,70,000.

 “No documentation was provided for this transaction. Shamjad’s attempt to divert the Police investigation by concealing the money and making such a statement to evade taxes came to light,” stated Ramarajan.

The seized gold has been handed over to the Court and  information has been relayed to various Departments, including Income Tax Department, Sales Tax, Customs and GST. The SP highlighted that investigation has uncovered instances of tax evasion and illegal gold smuggling.

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