Madikeri: A former CRPF jawan died after an accidental fire broke out at his house in Tholuru Shettalli village of Somwarpet taluk on Wednesday.The deceased, HA Venkatesh, 64, was alone at home when petrol stored for gardening equipment leaked and caught fire, spreading rapidly through the house. Police said Venkatesh, who had lost a leg due to gangrene, was unable to escape and succumbed to the blaze.Locals noticed thick smoke rising from the house and rushed to the spot. They alerted the fire brigade and attempted to control the flames, but Venkatesh had already died. Fire personnel later extinguished the fire completely.Somwarpet circle inspector Muddumadeva visited the spot. A case has been registered at Somwarpet police station, and a forensic team inspected the site. Venkatesh is survived by his wife, Savita, and two daughters.Worker from Odisha murdered in ChettalliIn a separate incident, Kodagu district police said Ashwina Gomago, a worker from Odisha residing in a row house at Kogilehalla Estate in Chettalli, was allegedly murdered by his neighbour, Mahesh, following a quarrel on March 2.According to police, Mahesh took Ashwina out on the pretext of going to a shop but returned alone. Ashwina’s body was later found nearby. Investigators said the accused killed him over personal enmity.Mahesh surrendered before the Chettalli police. SP RN Bindu Mani and Madikeri DSP Suraj visited the spot, and a case has been registered by Madikeri Rural CPI Chandrashekhar.
