Seven, including TV astrologer, held for murder in Uttara Kannada

Karwar/Siddapura: Seven individuals, including a popular TV astrologer, have been arrested in connection with the murder of 43-year-old Vasant Naik at Avaragoppa village in Siddapura taluk.

A native of Hemmanabail, Kamalakar Hegde (48), an astrologer who appeared on TV shows, was arrested in Shivamogga, along with six other suspects, including the victim’s sister-in-law Suchitra Naik (36). While Hegde, and two other suspects were being held in Siddapura, the other four were incarcerated in Shivamogga.

Residents of Avaraguppa surrounded the vehicle that brought Hegde to Siddapura. They even proceeded to thrash the astrologer’s car. The villagers camped outside the police station late into Tuesday night demanding justice for Vasanta Naik.

Hegde was reportedly involved in an extra-marital relationship with Suchitra, pushing her husband Mahesh Naik into depression. “With his daughter, Mahesh went to stay at his father’s house in Avaragoppa. Suchitra, accompanied by Hegde, went there to take her daughter from her husband,” police said.

“Suchitra & Hegde made an attempt on Mahesh’s life, when latter’s brother Vasant intervened, only to be killed with sharp weapons,” said SP Deepan M N.