CBI files closure report in Karnataka fisherman’s death case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it had found "no evidence" against five Muslim youths booked by it in the FIR and would file a closure report before the competent court, the officials said.

The CBI has filed a closure report in the death case of 18-year old fisherman Paresh Mesta whose body was found on December 8, 2017 after a communal clash in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, officials said Tuesday.

In a communication sent to Paresh's father Karmakar Mesta, the CBI had claimed that cause of death is "ante mortem drowning".

In a communication sent to Paresh's father Karmakar Mesta, the CBI had claimed that cause of death is "ante mortem drowning". The central agency relied on medico-legal opinion from multiple institutions to arrive at the conclusion, they said.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it had found "no evidence" against five Muslim youths booked by it in the FIR and would file a closure report before the competent court, the officials said.

Paresh, who was considered close to right wing groups, had gone missing on December 6, 2017. His body was found near a lake in Honnavar town in the district on the night of December 8 under mysterious circumstances.

A BJP leader had also linked the death to the Popular Front of India.

The CBI report ruled out any foul play in its final report filed before a court in Honnavar. Next date of hearing in the case is November 16, sources said.