Mandya : A shocking incident has been reported from a village in Mandya district where the body of a temple priest was found naked in a canal under suspicious circumstances. The deceased has been identified as Siddalingappa (46), a resident of Maralagalu village in Srirangapatna taluk.
According to police sources, Siddalingappa had informed his family members that he was going to the neighbouring Shettihalli village to perform a religious ritual. However, when he did not return home for a long time, concern began to grow among the family members and villagers.
Later, locals noticed a scooter floating in the CDS canal near the village and immediately alerted the rural police of Srirangapatna. Upon receiving the information, the police launched a search operation in the surrounding area. During the search, the body of Siddalingappa was discovered in the canal in a shocking condition — without clothes.
The discovery has raised serious suspicion of foul play. Villagers reportedly found blood stains near the canal, leading to speculation that the priest might have been attacked and murdered before his body was dumped into the water.
Siddalingappa was known in the region as a quiet and devoted priest who served at a local temple. According to residents, he lived a simple life dedicated to performing daily rituals and religious ceremonies. Villagers said he had no known disputes or enemies, making the incident even more puzzling.
Family members of the deceased expressed shock and grief over the incident. They said Siddalingappa had left home only to perform a routine puja and had never mentioned any threat or problem to the family. “We do not know what exactly happened. He had no enemies and was respected in the village,” a relative said.
Police officials from the Karnataka Police registered a case of unnatural death and have begun an investigation. The body has been shifted to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators are currently examining whether Siddalingappa’s death was accidental or the result of a planned murder. Police are also collecting evidence from the canal area and questioning local residents to understand the sequence of events leading to the priest’s death.
Authorities said further details would emerge after the post-mortem report and preliminary investigation findings are completed.
