Mangaluru: In a major operation, the City Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested notorious rowdy-sheeter Safwan Hussain (42), who had been absconding for the past nine years and was allegedly involved in 21 criminal cases across multiple police station limits.
The accused, a resident of Haleyangady village, was wanted in cases registered under the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate and Udupi district limits. The cases against him include two murders, four attempted murders, gang rape, five robberies, kidnapping, extortion, assault on police personnel, theft, chain snatching, assault on fellow inmates inside jail, unlawful assembly and rioting, criminal intimidation, obstruction of public servants in discharge of duty, and preparation and conspiracy to commit dacoity.
Convictions and pending cases
According to police, Safwan Hussain was convicted by the Karnataka High Court on February 28, 2020, in connection with the 2008 kidnapping, robbery and murder of a person named Praveen, a case registered at the Mulki Police Station. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in that case.
In another case registered in 2008 at the Karkala Police Station, he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for robbery. Police said that 13 criminal cases against him are still pending trial in various courts, and arrest warrants had been issued. In five cases, he had been declared a proclaimed offender (LPC).
2017 murder and disappearance
Police further stated that in 2017, under the limits of Surathkal Police Station, Safwan Hussain and his associates allegedly kidnapped, assaulted and murdered a man identified as Lekki Sahwan. The body was reportedly disposed of in the Agumbe Ghat area to destroy evidence. Following the incident, the accused absconded to evade arrest and remained untraceable for several years.
Investigators revealed that after going into hiding, he allegedly changed his name to Umar Mohammed Nasir while staying in Rayachoti in Andhra Pradesh. Under the assumed identity, he is said to have obtained fake Aadhaar and passport documents. Since 2018, he had reportedly fled abroad and continued to remain in hiding.
Complaints were also received alleging that he extorted money from businessmen from the coastal region who were residing abroad, using threats and intimidation.
Operation and further probe
The CCB team traced his movements and secured his custody from Rayachoti in Andhra Pradesh. After completing initial formalities, he was handed over to the Mulki Police Station for further legal action in connection with the pending cases.
Addressing a press conference, the City Police Commissioner said that further investigation is underway to identify individuals who assisted the accused in procuring fake identity documents and a passport, and those who provided him shelter while he was absconding. Legal action will be initiated against all such persons found involved.
Police officials stated that sustained surveillance and coordinated efforts across states led to the breakthrough in tracking down the absconder. They added that the arrest would help in expediting pending trials and strengthening prosecution in the cases registered against him.
With multiple serious charges including murder and extortion pending, the police have indicated that custodial interrogation will continue to uncover any wider criminal network and financial links.
The arrest of the long-absconding rowdy-sheeter is being viewed as a significant development in ongoing efforts to curb organised crime and ensure that proclaimed offenders are brought to justice.