'Remnants of Umesh Rai's bones found in Puttur'

The exhumation process was carried out in the presence of Assistant Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar, Umesh Rai’s mother Sarojini, wives Sowmya and Divya Rai.

The main accused in the case Jayaraj Rai had confessed during interrogation that he along with other accused Ammanna Rai alias Thimmanna Rai of Papemajalu, a relative of Muthappa Rai, Ramachandra Naika and Ramakrishna Naika of Badagannur had murdered Umesh Rai by hitting him with a hammer. Jayaraj had told police that Umesh Rai was buried near his house after burning his clothes and removing jewellery.

Accordingly, the police decided to exhume the body for forensic analysis.  The exhumation was done under the direction of Puttur rural Circle Inspector Manjaiah in the presence of accused Jayaraj Rai, Ramachandra Naika and Ramakrishna Naika. Medical Officer of the Ishwaramangala PHC Dr Gopalakrishna examined the bones found during the exhumation.

Within few minutes after the exhumation was started, two bones, which is said to be of Umesh Rai’s hand and leg, were found. Jaw bone with four teeth were found during the exhumation.

Jayaraj Rai told AC Dr Harish Kumar during exhumation that he had hit Umesh Rai using hammer from behind while the latter was eating omlet at his house on March 27. “When Rai fell down, myself along with Ramachandra Naika and Ramachandra Naika hit him using sticks. His body was thrown to the stream and later it was buried,” Jayaraj added.