Mangaluru: The city police have arrested a 52-year-old man who had gone into hiding after being sentenced to imprisonment in a theft-related case, bringing to an end a prolonged effort to trace and apprehend him. The accused, identified as Naveen Siquera, a resident of Chambugudde in Permannur, had been absconding despite clear directions from the court to serve his sentence.

According to police officials, the arrest was made following specific and confirmed information about the accused’s whereabouts. He was taken into custody on January 14 from Suprabhat Bar and Restaurant at Honnekatte in Suratkal and was subsequently produced before the court.

Background of the case

The case against Naveen Siquera dates back more than a decade. Police records show that cases were registered against him in 2011 and 2012 at the Mangaluru East Police Station. The offences were registered under FIR No. 195/2011, invoking Section 392 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with robbery.

Following a detailed investigation, the prosecution placed evidence before the court, and the trial concluded with the accused being found guilty. In 2015, the District Court sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000. The judgment was based on the gravity of the offence and the material placed on record during the trial.

Appeal and High Court order

Unwilling to accept the verdict of the District Court, the accused challenged the conviction and sentence by filing a criminal writ petition before the High Court. The matter was taken up for consideration, and the High Court reviewed the case records, evidence and arguments presented by both sides.

After examination, the High Court partially modified the sentence. It directed that the accused undergo one year of simple imprisonment and pay an enhanced fine of Rs. 15,000. The court further stipulated that the sentence and payment of the fine were to be complied with within a specified period, which was to be completed by 2022.

The High Court order also made it clear that failure to comply with its directions would result in the revival of the original sentence imposed by the District Court. This condition was explicitly stated to ensure compliance and to prevent misuse of the relief granted.

Accused goes into hiding

Despite the modified sentence and clear directions from the High Court, the accused failed to surrender or serve the sentence. After the verdict was pronounced, he went into hiding and remained untraceable for a considerable period.

As a result of his non-compliance, the court issued a warrant for his arrest. Police teams were tasked with tracing the accused, and efforts were made to gather intelligence about his movements and possible hideouts. Officials said the accused frequently changed locations, making it difficult to track him.

Arrest based on credible information

The breakthrough came when the police received confirmed information about the accused’s presence at a specific location. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a police team traced him to Suprabhat Bar and Restaurant at Honnekatte.

He was arrested without incident and taken into custody. Police officials stated that the arrest was carried out after verifying his identity and ensuring that the warrant issued by the court was executed in accordance with legal procedures.

Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the court, which took note of his failure to comply with the earlier High Court order.

Court enforces original sentence

After hearing the matter, the court observed that the accused had wilfully disobeyed the directions of the High Court by neither serving the modified sentence nor paying the stipulated fine within the prescribed time.

In view of this non-compliance, the court enforced the earlier order of the District Court. Accordingly, Naveen Siquera was sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment and directed to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000, as originally ordered.

Police officials said the arrest and subsequent court order underline the importance of respecting judicial directions and the consequences of attempting to evade the law.

Conclusion

The arrest of the absconding convict highlights sustained police efforts to enforce court orders, even in long-pending cases. Officials reiterated that accused persons who attempt to evade sentences by going into hiding will eventually be traced and brought to justice, irrespective of the time elapsed.