HUBLI: An aged
Swamiji was found murdered on the premises of Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple
at Devikoppa village in Kalghatgi taluk of Dharwad district, on Friday.
According
to the police, the deceased has been identified as Swamy Ramanand (85)
who was living in a small room adjacent to the temple, which had been
renovated by him some six years ago.
The unidentified assailant(s) had hit him on the head with iron rods. Interestingly,
a young ‘swami’ staying with him for the past few days is ‘missing’.
The murder
came to light after one of the devotees came to the room to give him
breakfast. The body was found covered with a cloth. The devotee alerted
temple trust members who reported the matter to police.
The police
said Swamy Ramanand hailed from Puducherry and had settled down at Devikoppa
more than 25 years ago. He had renovated the temple using charity funds.
Recently,
he had requested Sri Shivagiri Swamiji to depute a young person to look
after the mutt because of his age-related infirmities. Accordingly,
the young swamiji, now missing, was living with him for the past nearly
15 days.
The motive
for murder is not known. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanikoppa visited
the spot. The Kalghatgi police have registered a case and are investigating.
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