Udupi : Udupi SP Dr Boralingaiah who spoke to reporters on January 21, Monday informed that the police have arrested a total of six persons in connection with the murder of RTI activist Vasudeva Adiga and are on the look out for two other accused including Ramesh Bayari, an astrologer.He also informed that a land dispute between the deceased Adiga and Bairi, a neighbour of his, had led to the murder.

The SP informed that investigation into the case was very challenging as Adiga was also an RTI activist who had clues regarding irregularities in mining and temple activities.

He said Kadur Amma which was written in the Black Scorpio which was moving in Vandaru area since some time, gave the clue as there was a temple by that name at Ramnagar in Bangalore and the search for the accused in the area led to the arrest of three accused in the beginning. Interrogations of the trio, led to the revelation of the involvement of
Subrahmanya Udupa and others came to light. Udupa and others were then produced and also remanded in police custody till January 24.

The SP however denied reports that the four arrested were contract killers and said there was no information oc cash transfer.  The SP said that the murder was planned by Umesh, Bayari and Udupa. On January 7, five persons started from Bangalore to Vandar and another joined them on the way from Tumkur. They halted at various places during their journey, the SP said.

It is learnt on January 7, the accused intercepted Adiga and then hit his head with an iron rod, pushed him into the Scorio and strangulated him enroute and then dumped the body in the lake at Kadur after tying a heavy stone. But the body was found floating after it got detached from the stone, the SP informed.The SP further said that more people may be involved in the case, but an exact number could not be confirmed as of now. The investigation team will be rewarded with Rs 10,000 from the SP, and the DGP too has promised an award, he said.

The investigation is underway from different angles and many more may be arrested, the SP said.