Udupi : The police opted for a lathi charge as the public attempted to assault the accused in the Nejar Murder Case during the on-site investigation on Thursday, November 16.

The Udupi Police, conducting an inquiry into the case, had brought the murder suspect, Praveen Arun Chowgale (39), for an inquest. During this process, an enraged mob reportedly tried to assault Chowgale.

The furious crowd, present during the inquest, expressed their anger by chanting defiant slogans, insisting that the accused had no right to live and demanding that he be handed over to the crowd for their own form of justice. “He took 15 minutes. Give us just 30 seconds,” the irate mob demanded.

Following the completion of the inquest, the angry crowd made an attempt to assault the accused. In response, the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, the mob condemning the lathi charge demonstrated a sit-in.

Amidst the tumultuous crowd, the police safely escorted the accused back after completing the necessary procedures.

During interrogation, Chowgale has admitted to committing the crime on his own and that he targeted Ainaz (21), who worked with him as a cabin crew of the Air India Express and with whom he had a deep personal connection. He told the police that other members of the family were attacked when they tried to prevent him. During questioning, the accused has also stated he had gone to the house of Ainaz with a definite plan to kill her.

The police are investigating all the angles to establish the exact motive behind the gruesome murders that took place at Nejar in Udupi on November 12, sending shockwaves across the state, the SP said.