Chikkamagaluru: The number of arrested in the kidnapping case in Chikkamagaluru that also cost the life of Chikkamagaluru Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Kallappa Handibag, raised to three after CID officials arrested Abhiram, a close aide of Khandya Praveen, VHP Shivamogga division convener on Wednesday, July 20.

According to sources, the CID police arrested Abhiram on Tuesday itself and was shifted to CID temporary office in Chikkamagaluru, where he was questioned. Abhiram, son a retired CSF soldier’s son from Bengaluru, was arrested based on a clue given by Pradeep, another arrested suspect in the case. Main suspect Praveen Khandya and his associates Naveen Shetty, Ashwin Shetty and Jeeva are still on the run. It is said that Khandya’s wife Reshma (Priya) was quizzed by the police. The police are on the lookout for the suspects not only in Karnataka but also in other states.

A senior police official said that Abhiram, who is studying at a degree college was arrested in Bengaluru. He was known to Naveen Shetty. Abhiram does not have any criminal record, said the official.

It may be recalled that a gang of gamblers were gambling at a den in Chikkakolale village here in June when police raided and arrested 23 persons. One of the 23 persons arrested was Tejas Gowda who got bail. He was later kidnapped by a gang, taken to Bengaluru and was demanded Rs 10 lakh as ransom. DySP Kallappa was said to be involved in the entire abduction and ransom episode. When Tejas’s friend had called the particular number, it turned out to be Chikkamagaluru police phone number and Handibhag had received the call. Soon, Handibhag ended his life in Belgaum.