High drama unfolds as Chaitra collapses in CCB custody

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: A Hindutva activist named Chaitra Kundapur, who had been arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) on charges of allegedly cheating a businessman out of Rs 5 crore, collapsed and lost consciousness inside the CCB office even before officials could begin questioning her on Friday morning.

According to sources, the incident occurred after Chaitra had been brought to the CCB office from the women's helpline centre, Mahila Santwana Kendra, at around 8:30 am on Friday.

"She reportedly lost consciousness approximately half an hour after her arrival at the CCB office from the women’s helpline centre, where she had spent the night. She had gone to use the washroom in the women’s protection wing, and when she did not return for an extended period, the police checked on her and found her unconscious," police sources told News Trail.

Chaitra was promptly transported to Victoria Hospital by the police. It is reported that Chaitra had declined dinner and had also skipped breakfast. Doctors at Victoria Hospital suggested that her loss of consciousness might have been due to not having consumed any food.

They conducted tests on her blood samples and confirmed that her blood pressure and pulse rate were within the normal range. Dr. Aseema Banu from Victoria Hospital, during a later media briefing, stated that Chaitra's CT scan, ECG, and other vital parameters were stable and normal.

Her urine and vomit samples, as well as the froth in her mouth, were also collected for testing.

"She is currently receiving treatment in the ICU, and her condition is presently stable. She is being attended to by various specialists," she added.

The medical team was also consulting with psychologists and had admitted Chaitra to the trauma care centre. Balaji Pai from the trauma care centre confirmed that Chaitra was unconscious upon arrival at the hospital, and treatment was immediately initiated.

"Her friends mentioned that she had experienced seizures in the past. She has since regained consciousness and is now in the Intensive Care Unit. We plan to transfer her to the custodial ward later. We have informed her family members, and we expect the test reports to be available tomorrow," he stated.

Chaitra Kundapur had been arrested on charges of defrauding a businessman, Govind Babu Poojary, of Rs 5 crore by promising a BJP ticket for the Byndoor Assembly Constituency in the state assembly elections.

The police have arrested a total of five suspects in the case, including Chaitra, while two others remain at large.

INVESTIGATION SO FAR

Sources have revealed that Chaitra has confessed to deceiving the businessman but has alleged that she handed over Rs 3 crore to another accused individual named Gagan, who is currently evading arrest.

The complainant, Govind Babu Poojary, has purportedly provided evidence in the form of a pen drive to the CCB police.

According to sources, the pen drive allegedly contains recorded telephone conversations between the complainant and the accused individuals, including Chaitra.

However, Poojary has asserted that he recorded these conversations due to suspicions surrounding the dealings.