Udupi : The Udupi police have arrested two persons in connection to the mysterious death of 17-year-old Akshatha Devadiga who was found dead near a temple in Ottinene on Wednesday, June 17.

The accused identified as Sunil (19) and Akshay (20) were arrested by Udupi police on Friday, June 19 late night.

Addressing the reporters on Saturday, Inspector General of Police (Western) Amrit Paulon June 20 said that the accused Sunil is pursuing his ITI education in Udupi, Akshay had just finished his PU education and they are residents of Yojana Nagar in Byndoor.

The accused Sunil and Akshay is the relatives of deceased Akshatha. On Wednesday they waited for her hiding behind the bushes. They attacked her from behind and pulled her uniform veil around her neck. Akshata fight to escape with them but she breathed her last, the IGP said.

The post-mortem report did not indicate any sexual abuse on Akshatha. The accused, with the intention of sexually assaulting her, he said.

Udupi Superintendent of Police, K Annamalai and his police team arrested the accused within four days. Home Minister K.J George appreciated the police for quick operation.

The state DG-IGP has announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh to the police team led by Annamalai for cracking the case.

The government has sanctioned Rs 5 lakhs compensation to the Akshatha’s family.

Hundreds of college students and others had staged a massive protest in Byndoor seeking justice and immediate arrest of the accused.
The deceased Akshatha recently felicitated for 95 per cent marks secured in her SSLC exam.

She is the daughter of Babu and Radha Devadiga from Henberu near Byndoor . She was pursuing her II year P U in Science stream.