1,231-page chargesheet on Parashurama statue controversy submitted to Karkala court

Udupi: A  1,231 page chargesheet has been prepared and submitted to the court in Karkala in connection with the controversy over the 33-foot-tall Parashurama statue at Umikkal Hill in Bailur in Karkala taluk. 

The chargesheet has named sculptor Krishna Naik, Nirmithi Kendra Project Director Arun Kumar, and Engineer Sachin V Kumar as culprits. They were charged with criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating, and destruction of evidence under IPC Sections 420, 409, 201, 120(B), and 34.

It may be recalled that Krishna Shetty, on June 21, 2024 had filed a complaint alleging that Krishna Naik, associated with Krish Art World, was awarded the contract to install a bronze statue of Parashurama at the park using funds sanctioned by the Udupi Nirmithi Kendra.

However, instead of using bronze, Naik allegedly fabricated a fake look alike idol  and misled authorities, thereby committing fraud.

Following the complaint, a case was registered under IPC Sections 420 (cheating) and 409 (criminal breach of trust). Investigations revealed, through expert reports, that the statue was indeed made of brass instead of bronze.

Further probe revealed that Project Director Arun Kumar and Engineer Sachin V Kumar failed to comply with terms outlined in the work order.

On October 12, 2023, the upper portion of the idol was reportedly removed from the Umikal Betta and transported to a shed at the Udupi Nirmithi Kendra located in Pragati Nagar, Alevoor.

It remained there until February 25, 2024. Though the statue part was formally handed over to sculptor Krishna Naik, he provided false information by claiming it was transported to Bengaluru. 

In fact, the statue was unveiled by then chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on January 27, 2023.