The deceased, Vinodh Shettigar, was arrested on charges of attempting to murder rowdysheeter Bitti Nagesh on July, 2010. He was stabbed to death by Brahmavara Nagraj, Brahmavara Mutthappa –– both brothers, Koppala Sharanappa and Mysore Sheik Riyaz.

The incident took place around 8.15 am when the prisoners were out of their cells for a bath. Shettigar, who is suspected to be an associate of underworld don Ravi Poojary, sustained nearly 10 to 12 deep wounds on his body.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, SP Pravin Pawar said the police were responsible only for security outside the periphery of the jail premises and the internal security was the responsibility of the Prisons department.

He added that the department would investigate as to how the knives were brought into the jail.

In their statements to the police, the four accused have said they were being harassed by Shettigar, who had also threatened them of poisoning their food.

While sources in the jail said  the knives were brought inside by Brahmavara Muthappa’s wife hidden inside a birthday cake, the SP brushed aside the charge as a rumour.

Raghuram Shettigar, the father of the deceased, blamed the failure of the jail security for his son’s murder.  “Jail officials have failed to perform their duties. Arrangements were made to bring my son out on bail by the next week,” he said.

Second Additional JMFC Civil Magistrate R P Nandeesh. who visited the spot, said shortage of security personnel in the jail may be one of the reasons for the murder.
The report of the investigation will be sent to the National and State Human Rights Commission, he added.