Bengaluru: In a surprising twist of events, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Police have apprehended Abhinava Halashree, a revered seer, in Odisha, while he was en route to Boudh by train. Halashree, once highly regarded, now finds himself entangled in a complex web of allegations, and authorities are transporting him back to Bengaluru for further investigation.
This recent arrest comes on the heels of a prior case involving pro-Hindutva activist Chaitra Kundapura, who had been detained by the CCB police in connection with an alleged Rs. 5 crore cheating case. However, the plot thickens as another complaint surfaces against Kundapura, filed by Sudin, a BJP worker from Udupi. Sudin alleges that Kundapura deceived him by promising assistance in opening an apparel shop.
Sudin’s ordeal began in 2015 when he was introduced to Chaitra Kundapura, who claimed to have connections with BJP ministers and MLAs, assuring him support in establishing an apparel store in Udupi. Over four years, Sudin purportedly transferred Rs. 3 lakh to Kundapura’s account and handed over an additional Rs. 2 lakh in cash between 2018 and 2022. Troublingly, Kundapura is accused of resorting to threats, including the possibility of filing a false rape case against Sudin and menacingly warning him of dire consequences through the involvement of criminal elements.
Seer Abhinava Halashree’s arrest in Odisha adds a new layer of complexity to this ongoing investigation. As authorities bring him back to Bengaluru for questioning, they will undoubtedly scrutinize the extent of his involvement and the web of connections he may have.
Chaitra Kundapur, who was previously admitted to Victoria Hospital for a three-day period, was brought back to the CCB office on Monday evening. The police plan to extensively question her, leveraging the evidence collected in the case. This includes a pen drive submitted by complainant Govind Babu Pujari, which reportedly contains conversations between him and Chaitra. Additionally, CCTV footage captures Chaitra’s meetings with Pujari at his Bengaluru office.
Furthermore, as part of their investigation, the CCB police have seized assets, including cash, a car, and property believed to have been acquired by Chaitra Kundapur with funds received from Pujari. This evidence, combined with the previously mentioned interactions, will play a crucial role in the ongoing inquiries.
Intriguingly, the CCB police are also poised to investigate Pujari, the individual who allegedly provided Chaitra Kundapur and her associates with Rs. 5 crores in exchange for a BJP MLA ticket.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that the alleged trail of deception and manipulation extends far beyond initial appearances, ensnaring individuals from diverse walks of life, including the revered and the political.