In a startling development that has sent shockwaves across two states, a temple priest from Karnataka has been taken into custody in connection with a significant theft of gold and cash from a residence in Irrikur, Kannur, Kerala. This arrest marks a critical turn in an already complex and tragic investigation.
The individual identified as the accused is Manjunath, hailing from Singapattanam in Karnataka. Authorities reveal that Manjunath allegedly received a portion of the stolen wealth from 22-year-old Darshitha. Darshitha, tragically, was later discovered murdered in Mysuru, adding a chilling layer to the unfolding mystery.
Police reports indicate that Darshitha, wife of Subhash from Anchampura house in Chungasthanam, had reportedly stolen 30 sovereigns of gold and a sum of ₹4 lakh from her husband’s home on August 22. It is alleged that she subsequently handed over ₹2 lakh to Manjunath, under the guise that the money was for performing certain rituals to ‘ward off evil spirits’ — a claim now viewed with deep suspicion by investigators.
Just one day after the alleged theft, Darshitha’s lifeless body was found in a lodge located in Saligramam, Mysuru. The circumstances surrounding her death are particularly horrific, with evidence suggesting explosives were detonated in her mouth. The Karnataka Police have since arrested Siddharaju, a friend of Darshitha, in connection with her brutal murder.
The initial theft itself was a calculated act. It occurred while Subhash’s mother, Sumathi, and brother Suraj were away from the residence. The perpetrators gained entry using a duplicate key, indicating a planned operation. Interestingly, Darshitha was initially called in for questioning regarding the robbery but had already vanished, making her way to Karnataka shortly after the crime.
Investigators are now emphasizing the strong and undeniable links between the daring robbery and the subsequent murder. The missing money and valuable ornaments from the Irrikur house are central to connecting these two grave incidents.
Adding to the tragedy, Darshitha leaves behind a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Her actions leading up to her death, including misleading both her family and law enforcement about her whereabouts, paint a complex picture that authorities are working diligently to unravel.