Mangaluru: A man who had been absconding in connection with the murder of advocate Naushad Kashinji and several other criminal cases has been arrested by a police team led by the ACP of Mangaluru North Sub-Division. The accused has been identified as T. Dinesh Shetty, also known as Dinnu, a resident of Hosamane in Belthangady taluk.
Convict in 2009 advocate murder case held
Police said that Dinesh Shetty had earlier been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2009 murder of advocate Naushad Kashinji. The killing was allegedly executed on the instructions of underworld don Ravi Poojary and gangster Kali Yogish. Dinesh served 11 years in prison before being released on bail in 2019, following an order from the Karnataka High Court.
After his release, authorities noted a resurgence of his involvement in criminal activities, raising concerns about his return to the crime network.
Involvement in multiple criminal cases
Over the past few years, Dinesh Shetty had allegedly been involved in a kidnapping case under the jurisdiction of the Kavoor Police Station. Police records also link him to cheating and extortion cases filed under the Mangaluru North Police Station limits.
Officers stated that despite repeated court notices, Dinesh had failed to appear before the court for nearly one and a half years. His extended absence prompted the authorities to intensify the manhunt, categorising him as an absconder.
Arrest after months of surveillance
Police teams had reportedly been tracking his movements for several weeks. On Tuesday, the ACP-led team finally apprehended him after receiving credible information about his presence in the region. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough for the Mangaluru police, who have been working to curb activities linked to organised crime and repeat offenders.
Sources within the investigation revealed that Dinesh frequently changed locations to evade capture, often relying on support networks connected to earlier criminal associates. Police are now verifying who assisted him during his period in hiding.
Further investigation underway
Following his arrest, Dinesh Shetty is expected to be produced before the court. Police are preparing to seek custody for further interrogation, particularly to investigate whether he has been involved in any additional criminal activities during the time he absconded.
Officials also aim to uncover whether he has had recent contact with underworld elements and whether he played any role in ongoing extortion networks in the coastal region.
Conclusion
With the arrest of Dinesh Shetty, the police have closed in on a significant fugitive linked to both past and recent crimes. The case highlights ongoing efforts to rein in repeat offenders and dismantle networks connected to organised crime in the coastal belt.