Udupi: Law enforcement officials have arrested two individuals accused of attempting to murder police personnel during an operation linked to the illegal transportation of cattle. The accused have been identified as Mohammad Azim, a resident of Kapu, and Mohammad Raziq, from Bajpe.
Interception at Hejamady toll gate
The incident dates back to August 5, when police intercepted a Toyota Fortuner at the Hejamady toll gate during a routine inspection. Acting on intelligence inputs regarding cattle smuggling, officers stopped the vehicle and found five to six cattle being transported in a cruel and illegal manner.
When police began questioning the occupants, the accused allegedly reacted with hostility, questioning the presence of the officers. In a sudden turn of events, they reportedly drove the vehicle directly at the police personnel, in what authorities have described as an attempt to cause fatal injuries.
Officers injured, suspects absconded
During the confrontation, one suspect, Sharoj of Suratkal, was apprehended on the spot. However, others managed to escape after ramming the vehicle into the officers and injuring them. The incident unfolded while Gangolli police, who were already investigating a cattle theft case, attempted to stop the vehicle’s movement.
Following this, Gangolli Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) filed a complaint, and a case was registered at the Padubidri Police Station. A search operation was launched to trace the absconding accused: Safghan of Kapu, Azim of Kapu, and Raziq of Bajpe.
Arrest and custody
On Thursday, police successfully arrested Azim and Raziq, who were later produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Investigations revealed that Raziq of Bajpe is already facing trial in another cattle smuggling case registered at Bajpe Police Station. Meanwhile, Azim of Kapu is wanted in multiple cattle theft cases registered in Bajpe, Chittakula, and Ankola police stations in Uttara Kannada district.
Police operation and leadership
The arrests were carried out under the direction of Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, with guidance from Additional SP Sudhakar Naik and Karkala ASP Dr. Harsha Priyavdha. The operation was led by Kapu Circle Inspector Jayashree Mane, Padubidri PSI Sakthivelu (Crime & Security) and Anil Kumar (Investigation), with the assistance of ASI Rajesh P, Head Constable Nagaraj, Constable Krishnaraj Hegde, Constable Sandesh, and Woman Constable Rukmini.
Investigation continues
Police have confirmed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing, with efforts underway to trace other accused linked to both the attempted murder and cattle smuggling cases. Authorities stressed that stringent action will be taken against repeat offenders involved in such crimes.