Love affair ends in bloodshed: Astrologer Kamalakar Bhat arrested for murder

Bengaluru

A prominent astrologer from Karnataka, Kamalakar Bhat, who frequently features on television has been taken into custody, along with three others, in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man in Uttara Kannada district. The incident reportedly stemmed from a violent dispute linked to an alleged extramarital relationship.

Police identified the deceased as 43-year-old Vasanth Naik. A case was registered at the Siddhapur police station following a complaint lodged by his wife, Sandhya Siddapura. Vasanth, who was related to one of the accused, sustained fatal injuries while attempting to intervene in the altercation. Two other individuals were also hurt in the clash.

Those arrested include astrologer Kamalakar Bhat, popularly known as Guruji, along with Suchitra Naik, Lokanath and Akash. Police said three more suspects have been detained and will be produced before a court shortly.

Tensions escalated on Wednesday when Vasanth’s relatives and residents of the area assembled outside the Siddapura police station, demanding strict action against the astrologer. The protesters also called for a compensation of ₹1 crore for the victim’s family.

Relationship at the centre of the dispute

Investigators said Kamalakar Bhat, a native of Uttara Kannada who claimed to predict the future, had developed a relationship with Suchitra Naik, one of his clients. She had initially visited him in Bengaluru with her husband, Mahesh Naik, seeking astrological guidance.

Police said Suchitra and Mahesh married over 15 years ago and have two children. While the family briefly lived in Bengaluru, Suchitra later returned to her native village Avaraguppa with the children, as Mahesh continued working in the city. The friendship between Suchitra and the astrologer reportedly continued, and she later moved to Shivamogga with her children to live with him.

Complaint precedes deadly attack

Mahesh, who is currently hospitalised with injuries from the incident, told police that his elder daughter had recently reached out to him expressing distress over her living situation. Acting on her request, he brought her to Siddapura earlier this week, where she filed a police complaint against her mother.

Later that night, Suchitra, her father Lokanath, Kamalakar Bhat and several others allegedly arrived at Mahesh’s house armed with knives and other weapons. A fight broke out, during which Vasanth Naik intervened to protect his brother and was stabbed. Mahesh and his associate Kumar Naik were also injured.

Vasanth was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day. The accused fled after the incident but were arrested on Tuesday following a manhunt.