Dhadwad, Karnataka: Police have arrested Uday Hattaragi along with Nagappa Padekal, Abhishek Varagannavar, and Nagaraj Uppin in connection with the murder of Lalita Hattaragi, Uday’s wife. The incident occurred on February 26 near Amminabhavi village, initially recorded as a hit-and-run.
According to Dhadwad SP Gunjan Arya, Uday and Lalita were in ongoing divorce proceedings, with Lalita demanding two acres of agricultural land as part of the settlement. Police said Uday allegedly lured Lalita to meet him along Savadatti road to settle the matter outside court. She was struck by a speeding Thar vehicle from behind, killing her instantly, before the vehicle fled the scene.
The crash was captured on a dashboard camera of a passing bus, prompting police to trace the vehicle. Investigations revealed that Uday had allegedly hired Nagappa Padekal to execute the plan, who recruited the other two accused. Police said Uday offered Rs40 lakh and arranged the vehicle for the crime.
One more suspect remains at large, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. The case has been registered under Section 103 (murder) and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
