The search for the Jain monk who went missing- Kamakumar Nandi Maharaj  in the Belagavi district reached a tragic conclusion on Saturday. Shockingly, his murder was uncovered as his body parts were discovered in an abandoned borewell in Katakabavi, within the Raibag taluk of the district. 

Given the tense atmosphere surrounding this incident, Belagavi Superintendent of Police, Sanjiv Patil, along with other senior officials, are currently stationed in Katakabavi and Hirekodi villages. Furthermore, additional police forces have been deployed to the area to maintain peace and order.

Source: ETV Bharat

Here is an explainer on the horrifying incident. 

Explained:

The Beginning

According to the ashram trustees, the monk Kamakumar Nandi Maharaj had been adamant about the acquaintance returning a sum of money promptly. Interestingly, when the monk was reported missing, the accused individual actively participated in the search efforts. 

On Thursday morning, the unsettling news of a monk’s disappearance from his ashram emerged, prompted by a complaint from Bheemappa Ugare, the president of the Jain Charitable Trust of Hirekodi, the police initiated a search for the missing monk. Tragically, as night fell, it was revealed that the monk had been brutally murdered, and it was discovered that one of his acquaintances was implicated in the crime.

Source: Free Press Journal

Long Search on Saturday

On Saturday, after an extensive operation lasting nearly 10 hours, law enforcement successfully retrieved the dismembered body parts of the monk. The accused had severed the body into pieces, placed them in a bag, and then discarded them within the unused borewell. Following the accused individual’s confession of disposing of the body in a borewell situated in Katakabavi village, located more than 30 km away from Hirekodi, the police launched a search operation. Excavation work, utilizing earthmovers, was undertaken around the borewell to facilitate the retrieval, and the entire operation spanned approximately 10 hours.  

Source: News9 Live

The aftermath

In response to this tragic event, Gunadhar Nandi Maharaja, Jain seer hailing from Varur, near Hubballi has announced a fast-unto-death as a means of seeking a written assurance from the government regarding the safety of Jain seers across the State.

During a press conference held on Saturday, Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj expressed his shock at the gruesome act and his disappointment with the government and Chief Minister for their silence on the matter. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the police into the incident.

Furthermore, Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj declared his intention to abstain from consuming food and water until the government provides a written assurance guaranteeing the safety and security of all monks. He also demanded that those involved in the heinous crime be subjected to severe punishment.

Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj’s fast-unto-death and his insistence on government action highlight the urgent need for justice and protection for Jain seers, casting a spotlight on the seriousness of the situation and the demands for accountability.