Karnataka: Jain Monk Killed and Body Chopped into Pieces
In a shocking incident from the Belgaum district of Karnataka, a Jain muni was brutally murdered and his body was allegedly dismembered.
In a shocking incident from the Belgaum district of Karnataka, a Jain muni was brutally murdered and his body was allegedly dismembered.
The victim is identified as 56 year old Muni Kamkumar Nandi Maharaj. The dreadful incident took place in the Chikkodi area of Belgaum district, where the revered Jain Muni had been residing at the Nandi Parvat Ashram for the past 15 years. His sudden disappearance on 6th July 2023 raised concerns among his disciples, who searched for him but were unable to locate him. Consequently, the Ashram’s Trust’s chairman Bheemappa Udaare filed a missing complaint on the same day. During the investigation, after the monk went missing, the accused who worked at the ashram, too had joined them in the search. After getting suspicious, the police interrogated him, leading to his confession.” He was taken into custody and questioned. The suspect confessed to the murder. The motive behind the heinous act appears to be related to a monetary dispute, as the accused had borrowed Rs 6 lakh - 8 lakh belonging to the Jain Trust from the monk and failed to repay it. The mounting pressure from the Jain muni to return the funds allegedly led to the fatal outcome. However, the police said that the exact reason will be known after the completion of the investigation. The arrested suspect provided crucial information about another individual involved in the crime. The other person too was arrested. The 2 accused have been identified as Narayana Basappa Madi and Hassan Dalayath. They disclosed that they not only killed the Jain muni but also mutilated his body into pieces and discarded it into the borewell. The brutal murder of the Jain muni has sent shockwaves throughout the state of Karnataka, raising concerns about the overall law and order situation.
BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel condemned the incident and demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. Kateel also appealed to the state government to provide security for the monks and saints of the state. “The government should take this case seriously and ensure that the culprits are booked,” The murder has also prompted Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, another Jain seer, to announce a fast-unto-death demanding a detailed probe into the matter and a written assurance promising increased security to Jain seers in the State. Meanwhile, the last rites of the Jain muni were performed as per Jain traditions.
