Belagavi: The sensational murder of former soldier Sandeep Manjaragi, allegedly carried out for an insurance claim of Rs 2 crore, has taken a dramatic turn following the release of a selfie video by the prime accused, Pundalik Dombar.The case, linked to the suspicious death of Manjaragi, a resident of Ghodageri in Hukkeri taluk, is being investigated under the supervision of CPI Javed Mushapure of Yamakanmardi police station. Earlier, the victim’s wife, Suma Manjaragi, and her alleged lover, Pundalik Dombar, were arrested in connection with the case.According to police sources, fresh developments in the investigation point to attempts to tamper with key forensic evidence. Acting on these inputs, investigators have detained two additional persons for questioning. One of them is reportedly associated with the office of the city police commissioner and is suspected of interfering in forensic procedures, allegedly attempting to influence or destroy material evidence. The second individual is also being questioned for his suspected role in evidence tampering.Meanwhile, a selfie video purportedly recorded by Dombar has gone viral, adding a new dimension to the case. In the video, he makes a series of serious allegations about the circumstances leading to Manjaragi’s death.Dombar claims he developed a close relationship with Suma Manjaragi while working in Sandeep’s tea business after the latter retired from military service. He further alleges that Suma had been administering sleeping pills and alcohol to her husband over a period of time.He also claims that Sandeep was hospitalised after meeting with an accident while returning from the Hukkeri jatra. During that time, he alleges, Suma instructed him to procure pesticide from their farm, which he delivered. According to his version, Sandeep died the following day.Police have not officially confirmed the veracity of these claims and are treating the video as part of the ongoing investigation. Senior officials reiterated that all angles—including the alleged conspiracy, financial motive, and possible evidence of tampering—are being thoroughly probed.
