Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Police have arrested an absconding interstate criminal who had been evading arrest and court proceedings for several years despite multiple non-bailable warrants and proclamation orders issued against him by various courts.
The accused has been identified as Abdul Raoof alias Meese Raoof (48), son of late Hasan Mohammed, a resident of Uppala in Manjeshwar taluk of Kasaragod district, Kerala. Police officials said the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in tracking down habitual offenders operating across Karnataka and Kerala.
Long history of criminal cases
According to police, Abdul Raoof is involved in at least 25 criminal cases registered across different police stations in Kerala and Karnataka. Of these, around 19 cases were registered at various police stations in Kasaragod district, Kerala. Within the limits of Mangaluru city, one case was registered at Kavoor police station, while five cases were registered at Konaje police station.
Police described Raoof as a notorious interstate criminal who had been absconding for several years by frequently changing locations and avoiding court appearances. Despite repeated efforts by law enforcement agencies, he had managed to evade arrest until recently.
Non-bailable warrants and proclamation orders
In the Kavoor police station case, registered as Crime No. 54/2017, Raoof is accused under Sections 398 (attempt to commit robbery) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 4, 25 and 1AB of the Arms Act. In this case, the court had issued a non-bailable warrant against him after he failed to appear for trial.
Additionally, in five cases registered at Konaje police station in 2020—Crime Nos. 50/2020 to 54/2020—under Sections 457 (lurking house trespass by night) and 380 (theft in dwelling house) of the IPC, the court had declared him a proclaimed offender. A separate non-bailable warrant was also issued against him in connection with a case registered at Manjeshwar police station in Kerala.
Police officials said Raoof continued his criminal activities even after being declared a proclaimed offender, posing a serious threat to public safety.
Known associate of notorious criminals
Investigators revealed that Abdul Raoof is a close associate of Isubu Ziad alias Zia of Uppala Paivalike in Kerala, another well-known criminal figure. Police said the duo and their associates were involved in organised crimes such as robbery, house-breaking and intimidation, often operating across State borders to avoid detection.
Apart from the cases registered in Mangaluru, Raoof has been booked in several serious cases at Manjeshwar police station over the years. These include charges of robbery, dacoity, attempt to murder, house trespass, criminal intimidation and offences under the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.
Multiple cases between 2020 and 2024
Further investigations revealed that additional cases against Raoof were registered at Kumbla, Manjeshwar and Vidyanagar police stations between 2020 and 2024. These cases involve offences such as theft, house-breaking, assault and violations of the Arms Act.
Police also said he was booked under epidemic control laws during the Covid-19 period for violating restrictions imposed by authorities. His most recent case, Crime No. 873/2024, was registered at Manjeshwar police station under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), indicating that he continued to remain active in criminal activities until recently.
Arrest following specific inputs
Acting on specific and credible inputs regarding his whereabouts, a special police team launched a focused operation to trace the accused. The team was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (North Sub-Division) Srikant K, with the support of Assistant Sub-Inspector Chandrashekar and staff members head constable Reji V M, Damodara K and Halesh Naik.
After sustained surveillance and coordination, the team apprehended Abdul Raoof on December 16. Police sources said the arrest was made without any incident, and the accused was taken into custody for further legal procedures.
Produced before authorities
Following his arrest, Abdul Raoof was produced before the competent authorities and later handed over to Kavoor police station, where one of the key cases against him is pending. Police officials said further interrogation will be conducted to ascertain his involvement in other unsolved cases and to identify any associates who may have aided him while he was absconding.
Officials added that steps will be taken to execute all pending warrants and ensure that the accused faces trial in the various cases registered against him.
Conclusion
The arrest of Abdul Raoof alias Meese Raoof is being seen as a major success for the Mangaluru City Police in their efforts to crack down on interstate criminal networks. Police officials reiterated their commitment to tracing habitual offenders who attempt to evade the law by crossing State borders.
The police have also appealed to the public to share information about suspicious activities or wanted criminals, stating that community cooperation plays a vital role in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of citizens.