Udupi family murder: Prime suspect ex-Maharashtra policeman arrested, being interrogated

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The prime suspect in the Udupi family murder case, Praveen Chougale, is currently undergoing questioning by a police team, and Udupi district Superintendent of Police K Arun has stated that a comprehensive picture will likely emerge by evening.

Chougale, taken into custody based on technical evidence and intelligence reports, is being interrogated in connection with the murders of a 21-year-old woman and three members of her family. The case is being investigated from various angles, and a definitive understanding is anticipated after questioning all the involved individuals, wire agency PTI reported.

Security measures have been heightened across the district as a precautionary measure. Additional police personnel are deployed near the offices of the SP, DySP, and surrounding areas.

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Chougale, an Air India cabin crew member, was arrested from Kuduchi in Raibagh taluk of Belagavi district on Tuesday in a joint operation by Udupi and Belagavi police, Indian Express reported. Investigations indicate that the crime was committed out of jealousy and animosity, with the accused being over-possessive, leading to the tragic incident, the reported said.

The Udupi police tracked down Chougule, a former Maharashtra policeman, using technical data, including cell phone location and call records, media reports said. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused, a married man with two children, developed an intimate relationship with his young colleague, leading to jealousy and animosity, resulting in the heinous act. The accused knew the location of the victims' residence, as the information had been shared with him.

Chougule, after committing the murders, traveled to Kudachi in Belagavi to spend Diwali with his uncle. The police were alerted to the crime when a neighbor heard cries from the victims' house. The mother-in-law, who was also attacked, locked herself in the bathroom and called for help after the assailant had fled.

The accused took an auto-rickshaw to the victims' house and returned to the stand to take another auto-rickshaw after about 15 minutes. The investigation is ongoing to gather more details surrounding the tragic incident. (With inputs from agencies)