Chikkamagaluru: A second additional sessions court on Monday, dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of Praveen Khandya, VHP Shivamogga division convener and Nataraj, owner of Kalmane Chit Fund, two prime suspects in a kidnap and ransom case in Chikkamagaluru district. The kidnapping case also cost the life of Chikkamagaluru Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Kallappa Handibag.

On July 12, Khandya’s wife Priya applied for anticipatory bail before the second additional sessions magistrate. Police had meanwhile arrested Nataraj. He too had applied for anticipatory bail. The court heard both the petitions on Monday and reserved its verdict.

The police are on the lookout for Khandya. He is absconding since 20 days. They have formed four teams and have launched a manhunt to nab Khandya.

On July 4, an FIR was lodged against Abhijit alias Abhiram, Naveen Shetty, Nataraj, Praveen Khandya and deputy superintendent of police Kalappa Handibag at the Basavanahalli police station in connection with the kidnapping of financier Tejas Gowda. The following day, the police officer committed suicide at his hometown in Belagavi district. The state government handed over the inquiry to CID.