Tragic House Fire Claims Life of Former CRPF Jawan in Kodagu
A former Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, HA Venkatesh, 64, tragically lost his life after an accidental fire erupted at his residence in Tholuru Shettalli village, located within Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district. The incident occurred on Wednesday, resulting in a devastating blaze that spread rapidly through the home.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, Venkatesh was alone at the house when the fire broke out. The cause has been identified as a leak from petrol stored for gardening equipment, which ignited and led to a swift conflagration. Due to a prior medical condition, Venkatesh had lost a leg because of gangrene, severely impairing his mobility. This physical limitation prevented him from escaping the flames, and he succumbed to the fire before help could arrive.
Local residents first noticed thick, dark smoke billowing from the house and immediately rushed to the scene. They alerted the fire brigade and made valiant attempts to control the spreading flames themselves. However, by the time they intervened, Venkatesh had already perished. Fire personnel arrived subsequently and managed to fully extinguish the blaze, preventing further damage to the property.
Police Investigation and Aftermath
Somwarpet circle inspector Muddumadeva visited the site to oversee the initial investigation. A formal case has been registered at the Somwarpet police station, and a forensic team conducted a thorough inspection of the premises to gather evidence and determine the exact sequence of events. Venkatesh is survived by his wife, Savita, and their two daughters, who are now coping with this sudden and heartbreaking loss.
Separate Murder Case in Chettalli Shocks Community
In an unrelated and equally distressing incident, Kodagu district police reported a murder in Chettalli. The victim, Ashwina Gomago, a worker originally from Odisha, was allegedly killed by his neighbour, identified as Mahesh. The crime took place on March 2, following a heated quarrel between the two individuals.
Investigation into the Homicide
Police authorities stated that Mahesh lured Ashwina out of their row house at Kogilehalla Estate under the pretext of going to a shop. Mahesh returned alone, and Ashwina's body was later discovered nearby. Investigators have indicated that the motive behind the killing was personal enmity, stemming from ongoing disputes between the two men.
In a significant development, the accused, Mahesh, voluntarily surrendered to the Chettalli police. Senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police RN Bindu Mani and Madikeri Deputy Superintendent of Police Suraj, visited the crime scene to assess the situation. A case has been formally registered by Madikeri Rural Circle Police Inspector Chandrashekhar, and the investigation is currently ongoing to uncover all details surrounding this tragic event.
