The Central Crime Branch continued their interrogation of Hi Bangalore editor Ravi Belagere on Sunday. Mr. Belagere had been remanded in police custody till Monday.
Police officials said Mr. Belagere gave “evasive answers” to their questions. He denied charges that he gave a contract to kill his colleague Sunil Heggaravalli.
On Sunday, Mr. Belagere was admitted briefly to Victoria Hospital for check-up after his health deteriorated.
There was, however, some drama as Mr. Belagere refused to get into the vehicle — even placing his foot to block the sliding door — until cigarettes were given to him. During this time, he injured his foot.
CCB officials said Mr. Belagere was stable and that he would be produced before a judge on Monday.
Sources said the interrogation revealed little, with Mr. Belagere remaining reserved.
When questioned about his acquaintance with hitman Shashidhar Mundewadi, he replied defiantly that being in contact with someone with criminal cases was not a crime.
Meanwhile, officials have taken detailed statements of Mr. Balagere’s wife, Yashomati, as well as Mr. Heggaravalli, who has sought police protection.
A team of policemen is camping at Sindagi taluk in Vijayapura district. They are on the lookout for Viju Badiger, who allegedly escorted Mr. Mundewadi to meet Mr. Belagare at his office.
While the police have seized hard disks and other electronic material, court permission will be needed on Monday to study them.
