Mangaluru: Mangaluru city police have identified the conspirators and assailants involved in the brutal murder of a former rowdy-sheeter on the Thokkottu flyover, even as all accused remain absconding nearly 10 days after the incident. Authorities confirmed that while the entire network behind the crime has been traced, arrests are yet to be made due to the suspects’ continuous efforts to evade capture.
Murder staged as accident
The victim, Arif Hussain (47), popularly known as ‘Tablet’ Arif, was found dead beside his motorcycle in the early hours of March 27 on the Thokkottu flyover. Initially suspected to be a road accident, the case soon took a serious turn after forensic and circumstantial evidence indicated foul play.
Hussain, a resident of Talapady in Ullal taluk, had reportedly left his residence at around 3:30 am to head towards the Mangaluru dock, where he was engaged in the fish trade. According to investigators, a gang of six individuals deliberately targeted him on a stretch of the flyover that lacked CCTV surveillance.
Police revealed that the assailants used a vehicle—believed to be a Kerala-registered Toyota Innova—to knock down Hussain’s motorcycle, thereby staging the scene to resemble an accident. Once he fell, the attackers allegedly hacked him to death using sharp weapons before fleeing the scene.
The suspected vehicle was later recovered in an abandoned condition within the limits of Vittal police station on the same day, further strengthening the murder angle.
Entire network identified
A senior police officer stated that investigators have successfully identified all individuals directly involved in the attack, along with those who played a role in planning the crime. “We have identified the entire network and all the assailants involved. They belong to the same community as the victim,” the officer said.
The police have launched a coordinated effort to track down the accused, who are reportedly moving across locations to avoid arrest. Multiple teams have been deployed, and surveillance has been intensified across districts and neighbouring states.
Personal rivalry suspected
Preliminary findings suggest that the murder was a result of personal enmity. Following the incident, Hussain’s teenage son lodged a complaint naming his father’s rival, Rifath Ali, as a prime suspect in the case. Investigators are examining this angle closely and are verifying past disputes and associations linked to both individuals.
Police sources indicated that the involvement of multiple conspirators points to a well-planned execution rather than a spontaneous act of violence. The exact motive, however, is still under investigation, and officials have not ruled out other possible triggers.
Victim’s criminal background
Arif Hussain had a long criminal history spanning nearly two decades. He was previously listed as a rowdy-sheeter in Mangaluru and had at least nine criminal cases registered against him. Though he had reportedly scaled down his activities in recent years, police believe his past associations may have contributed to lingering rivalries.
Officials are now analysing Hussain’s past records, recent activities, and known associates to piece together the sequence of events leading to the murder.
Ongoing investigation
The case has drawn significant attention in the coastal city, raising concerns over organised crime and public safety. Police have assured that all efforts are being made to apprehend the accused at the earliest.
“We are closely tracking their movements. It is only a matter of time before arrests are made,” the officer added.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating the suspects.
Conclusion
The Thokkottu flyover murder has exposed a chilling level of planning and execution, underscoring the persistence of criminal rivalries despite police monitoring. While investigators have made substantial progress in identifying those responsible, the lack of arrests continues to be a matter of concern. The coming days are expected to be crucial as police intensify their manhunt to bring the accused to justice.