Mangaluru: An accused who had allegedly been evading court proceedings for nearly two years by remaining abroad was arrested at the Mangaluru International Airport by the Vitla police earlier this week.
The arrested individual has been identified as Ibrahim Bathees, a resident of Kanyana in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. He was taken into custody on February 24 upon his arrival from abroad, following coordinated action between immigration authorities and local police officials.
According to police sources, Bathees had been absconding in connection with a criminal case registered several years ago and had failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons. His prolonged absence had stalled further legal proceedings in the matter.
Arrest upon arrival
Police said that credible information was received about the accused’s return to India. Acting on this input, officials at the Vitla Police Station alerted immigration authorities stationed at Mangaluru International Airport. Upon verification of his travel details, the accused was intercepted soon after he landed.
A head constable and a police constable from Vitla Police Station, who were present at the airport in coordination with immigration officials, formally arrested him. He was subsequently produced before the jurisdictional court.
The court remanded Bathees to judicial custody until March 7, allowing the investigating agency to proceed with the pending legal formalities and further investigation, if required.
Case registered in 2019
The case against Bathees dates back to 2019. A criminal case bearing Crime No. 193/2019 had been registered at the Vitla Police Station under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges include Sections 427 (mischief causing damage), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), and 341 (wrongful restraint).
In addition, Section 2(A) of the Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property Act was also invoked in the case. These provisions relate to alleged acts involving damage to property, obstruction, and use of force during the commission of an offence.
Police officials stated that after the registration of the case, the accused had initially participated in the investigation. However, he later left the country and allegedly failed to attend subsequent court hearings. Despite issuance of notices and non-bailable warrants, he did not appear before the court for nearly two years.
His continued absence led authorities to categorise him as absconding. Legal processes were initiated to secure his presence, including communication with immigration authorities to alert them in case of his return.
Coordinated action by police
The successful arrest was the result of coordination between local police and airport immigration authorities. Officials said such cooperation has become increasingly important in cases where accused persons attempt to evade legal proceedings by travelling abroad.
Police sources indicated that the accused was detained immediately after immigration clearance procedures confirmed his identity. Necessary documentation was completed at the airport before he was escorted to the police station and later presented before the court.
The remand to judicial custody until March 7 ensures that the accused remains available for further court proceedings. Investigators may also review case records and examine whether additional steps are required in light of the delay caused by his absence.
Legal process to continue
With the accused now in custody, the trial process in Crime No. 193/2019 is expected to resume without further delay. Legal experts note that prolonged absence of accused persons often hampers the pace of criminal trials, affecting both the prosecution and complainants.
Police officials reiterated that individuals facing criminal charges are legally bound to cooperate with investigations and court proceedings. Absconding not only delays justice but may also lead to additional legal consequences.
The arrest at Mangaluru International Airport highlights the vigilance of local law enforcement agencies and the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms in place to track wanted individuals returning from abroad.
Further proceedings in the case will take place before the competent court in the coming days.