Prime suspect in Karnataka tourist murder case arrested

Calangute: Calangute police have arrested Akshata alias Rupashree C, the alleged prime suspect in the murder of Karnataka tourist Sandeep Salayam. She was arrested in Bengaluru on Friday and later handed over to Calangute police on transit remand.

She is expected to be brought to Calangute police station late Friday.Salayam, a water sports operator and former driver of an ex-minister of Karnataka, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a resort room at Umtawaddo, Calangute, late Tuesday night. He had last been seen with the suspect at the resort.Polie said Akshata, a Bengaluru resident, allegedly fled after Salayam’s death with his gold chain and bracelet.

She was initially traced to Mangaluru, but had moved to Bengaluru before a Calangute police team reached on Thursday.Police suspect Akshata befriended Salayam to extort money. She is also believed to have administered drugs to him in the hotel room, which may have led to his death.Calangute police have registered a case under Sections 194, 123 (poisoning), 309 (robbery), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.