In a significant legal ruling, the 6th Additional District and Sessions Court in Mangalore has sentenced Mustaq (32) and Zakir (36) to 10 years in prison, alongside a fine of Rs 16,000 each, for the attempted murder of a police officer from Ullala Police Station. This verdict also addresses their involvement in multiple other criminal activities during the incident. The court’s decision was delivered after a thorough examination of evidence and testimonies related to the case.
The two other accused individuals, Yaseen and Ashraf Samosa (50), are currently absconding and remain at large, with efforts ongoing to apprehend them.
The incident in question occurred on December 17, 2015, when Head Constable Umesh and Constable Ravindra were responding to a complaint involving noise and bottle-throwing near Ullala Syed Madani Dargah. Upon their arrival, they encountered Mustaq, Zakir, and the absconding accused, who were found to be disruptive and aggressive.
When the police officers attempted to address the situation, the accused reacted violently. Mustaq attempted to stab Constable Ravindra with a knife, but Head Constable Umesh intervened to prevent the attack. In the ensuing altercation, Mustaq managed to grab Ravindra’s hands, twisting them, and proceeded to stab him, causing a significant blood wound on Ravindra’s left hand. The accused also physically assaulted Umesh and obstructed him from performing his duties.
Judge Kantaraju S.V. presided over the case and found the accused guilty of several charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges included:
- Attempted murder under Section 307 of the IPC, for which the accused received 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 each.
- Criminal intimidation, resulting in a 7-year prison sentence and a Rs 5,000 fine.
- Assault, obstructing a public servant, and causing hurt, each carrying a 2-year prison term and a Rs 2,000 fine.
The court’s sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes committed and serves as a deterrent for similar offenses.
Government prosecutor B. Shekhar interrogated two witnesses who provided critical evidence in the case. Public prosecutor Chaudhary Motilal was responsible for examining and presenting the remaining witnesses, further strengthening the prosecution’s case.
The legal proceedings included detailed testimony from the involved police officers and witnesses who corroborated the events of the attack. The defence did not present sufficient evidence to refute the charges or reduce the culpability of the accused.
The search for Yaseen and Ashraf Samosa continues, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to locate and apprehend the absconding accused. Their involvement in the case remains a matter of significant concern, and efforts are being made to bring them to justice.
The sentencing of Mustaq and Zakir marks a notable resolution to a high-profile case involving an assault on law enforcement officers. The conviction and substantial prison terms reflect the seriousness of the attempted murder and related crimes, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.