Karnataka artist couple die by suicide after daughter goes missing

Leeladhar Shetty and his wife Vasundhara Shetty were found dead in their house in Udupi.

Leeladhar Shetty, 68, and his wife Vasundhara Shetty, 59, residents of the Kaup taluk, left behind a suicide note, but they did not mention the reason behind their decision to end their lives, said the police. (Express photo)

A renowned theatre-artist couple in Karnataka’s Udupi district allegedly died by suicide hours after their adopted minor daughter went missing from their home Tuesday.

The Shettys adopted their daughter 16 years ago and lived with her in Majoor village. The police said they suspect she had eloped with a man who was employed by the couple.

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“We suspect that the couple were deeply hurt by it and ended their lives,” the police said.

The Kaup police registered a kidnapping case and began a probe to find the girl.

Leeladhar was also a known social worker who contested Assembly elections from the Kaup seat. He established the Kaup Rajataranga troupe, and acted and directed plays. He also served as the president of the social organisation Kaup Buntara Sangha.

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