Udupi: In a rather unexpected turn, Rajeshwari’s brother in-law (older sister’s husband), whose name is Bhasker Shetty as well, held a press meet in Udupi to claim innocence.

Bhasker Shetty, a well-known businessman in Manipal circle himself, during a press meet on Thursday said that his name is unnecessarily being dragged by slain Bhasker Shetty’s family.

“I have had business relationship with Bhasker Shetty till 2012. After that there has been no connection between the two of us. I have no idea as to why my nephew (Balakrishna Shetty) and I are being dragged into the case,” said Bhasker Shetty.

It may be recalled that Balakrishna Shetty’s name cropped up in the case after news of him having taken signatures of Rajeshwari on some blank cheques came out. Subsequently Bhasker Shetty’s name too got entangled in the case.

However, stating that baseless allegations are being leveled against him, Shetty said that Rajeshwari and Bhasker’s relationship had turned sour over the last ten years and that he personally mediated between the two and patched up several times.

Also claiming that Rajeshwari ran into depression and had been taking medical help for the same, Shetty expressed his feelings that Bhasker Shetty may be alive somewhere still and Rajeshwari may not have killed him.

Shetty’s son Bhargav Shetty and nephew Balakrishna Shetty were present.