The Manipal police on Tuesday arrested brothers of two of the accused for destroying evidence in the Manipal University medical student’s gang-rape case.
The arrested are Balachandra Poojary (40), older brother of first accused Yogish, and Harindra Poojary (28), older brother of second accused Hariprasad. IGP (Western Range) Pratap Reddy told reporters that Balachandra and Harindra had helped the accused in destroying evidence. “Blood stains on the autorickshaw, which could have been valid evidence, were removed by Hariprasad and Harindra. This was proved in the Forensic Science Laboratory test,’’ the IGP said.
Reddy said the victim is recovering, and has finally started co-operating with the police in recording her statement.
But the contents of her statement could not be revealed as her parents had set a pre-condition to the police before she agreed to talk. “Still, her statement will be very important to us,’’ Reddy said.
Reddy also said that the accused had threatened the victim not to complain to the police. Investigating officer and police inspector of Manipal, Sadananda Tippannanavar, will file a chargesheet against the accused soon, he added.
Meanwhile, there is some improvement in the condition of Yogish, who had attempted suicide. Yogish is recovering and will be arrested once he is discharged from Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, police said.