Scrap Dealer Arrested for Gunshot Incident in Mangaluru

Mangaluru City Police have arrested Addu alias Badruddin (34), a scrap shop owner, in connection with a gunshot incident on January 6 that injured Mohammed Safwan (25). Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal revealed details of the case in a press briefing on Thursday.

The Incident
The shooting occurred at Badruddin’s scrap shop around 4:30 pm. Safwan was seated in front of Badruddin when a bullet discharged from a weapon in Badruddin’s hands. The shot hit a printer before striking Safwan in the stomach. Initially, attempts were made to conceal the incident, with Safwan and Badruddin claiming the gun fired accidentally while Safwan handled it.

Investigation Findings
The investigation, supported by forensic and ballistic experts, revealed discrepancies in their accounts. Experts concluded the injury could not have been self-inflicted. Further inquiries established the weapon was an unlicensed country-made pistol and confirmed it was in Badruddin’s possession during the firing.

Badruddin initially tried to shift blame, claiming the weapon belonged to Bhaskar, a shop visitor. However, Bhaskar refuted the claim, revealing that Badruddin had coerced him to lie. Under police questioning, Badruddin confessed that the weapon was given to him by Imran, who had obtained it from someone in Kerala.

Legal Action
A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Arms Act, along with Section 110 of the Indian Penal Code. Commissioner Agrawal emphasized that misleading law enforcement is a crime, noting Safwan’s alleged involvement due to his association with Badruddin, a known rowdy-sheeter.

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