Though he told police that he was just a honorary teacher, the records say otherwise. He began his career as a contract teacher and his services were confirmed in 1992 itself.

The Department was even aware that the accused was regularly irregular and had been transferred at least five times for the same reason.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Mangalore BEO Kodandaramaiah, who is looking into the charges against Mohan, said the accused had not replied to several letters sent to him. Mohan admitted to him that he was irregular this June. When contacted,  DDPI Chame Gowda said the department was preparing documents to dismiss Mohan.

Mohan joined Shiradi Higher Primary School as a contract teacher on November 13, 1984. His service was regularised in 1992. He was suspended on August 28, 2000, as he was imprisoned in an attempt to murder case near Dharmasthala. However, his suspension was withdrawn later and he was posted at Gutyadka school in Belthangady taluk. Interestingly, Mohan had written to the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner to depute him as a tutor for Mangalore sub-jail!

Victim’s parents shocked

The family of Kaveri from Peraje in Kodagu district, one of the 18 victims, was shocked following Mohan’s arrest. Chomu (60), Kaveri’s mother was inconsolable. She had hoped that her daughter, who went missing eight months ago, was leading a happy life with somebody.

One more victim

The number of victims has now gone up to 19 with the identity of one more victim being confirmed by the police on Friday. Puttur ASP Chandragupta said that the victim has been identified as Shashikala (26) from Konaje. She was found dead at the KSRTC bus stand in Upparapet in Bangalore in October 2005. Sources said that Mohan has confessed to killing Shashikala, when he was brought at the rural police station.