U B Ayyappa regularly visited Dharmasthala, went missing en route to hospital

Bengaluru

U B Ayyappa (70), whose identity card was discovered at Bangle Gudde in Dharmasthala village by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), was a regular visitor to the Dharmasthala temple before he went missing in 2017. Ayyappa hailed from Shettigeri village in Ponnampete taluk, Kodagu district.

His ID card was found by the SIT a few days ago during a search operation for skulls and bones in Bangle Gudde. The SIT also recovered skeletal remains in the same area where the ID card was discovered. However, only forensic science laboratory (FSL) tests can confirm whether any of the remains belong to Ayyappa. Until then, he continues to be treated as missing.

Jeevan, Ayyappa’s son, told blrpost.com, “he (Ayyappa) boarded a bus from the village to Mysuru for a routine health check-up on the day he went missing. The bus was traveling to Gonikoppal, from where he was supposed to board another bus to the final destination.  He carried his walking stick with him, which was also found at Bangle Gudde. He was visiting Drishti Eye Care Centre and Chandrakala Hospital in Mysuru once every month. He had blood pressure, diabetes, and minor eyesight issues.”

Jeevan added that his father visited the Dharmasthala temple once or twice every year without fail, and only a proper investigation can uncover the truth behind his disappearance. After his father went missing, Jeevan filed a complaint at the local police station and searched for nearly six months. Police also inquired at the Mysuru hospitals but confirmed that Ayyappa had not visited the facilities he used to frequent.

Following the recovery of skulls and bones, the SIT has intensified its probe. Investigation officers continue to question several people, both day and night.