Mangaluru: In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of a rowdy-sheeter from the city, police have revealed that the accused had made an earlier attempt to kill Arif, a resident of Ajjinadka in Kinya, more than a month before the fatal attack.
According to police sources, the first attempt took place in the early hours of February 13, when a group of assailants allegedly tracked Arif with the intention of eliminating him. However, unforeseen circumstances disrupted their plan, forcing the gang to abort the attempt midway.
Fatal attack near Thokkottu flyover
Despite the failed attempt, the accused reportedly continued to monitor Arif’s movements and eventually executed their plan on March 27. On the day of the murder, Arif was travelling on his motorcycle towards the Bunder fish market when he was intercepted near the Thokkottu flyover.
Police said the attackers, armed with lethal weapons, launched a brutal assault and hacked him to death on the spot before fleeing. The shocking incident had sent ripples across Mangaluru, raising concerns over organised criminal activity and public safety.
Investigators believe the attack was premeditated and carried out with precise coordination, indicating that the accused had been planning the murder for weeks.
More suspects linked to initial conspiracy
The ongoing investigation has revealed that the conspiracy extended beyond those directly involved in the March 27 killing. Police have identified several additional individuals who were allegedly part of the earlier failed attempt in February.
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy stated that authorities have gathered credible information about the involvement of these suspects. Efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend them.
“We have specific inputs regarding the individuals who participated in the first attempt. They will be taken into custody soon,” the commissioner said, adding that the probe is progressing on multiple fronts.
Arrests made, probe widens
So far, the police have arrested several key accused in connection with the murder. The individuals taken into custody include Rifat, Juttu Ashfaq, Khalil, Shakir, Irfan, Rizwan, and Irshad, who is believed to have provided logistical support to the assailants.
Officials said the investigation is now focused on establishing the links between those involved in the successful attack and the wider network that supported the initial conspiracy. This includes examining communication records, movement patterns, and possible motives behind the killing.
Sources indicate that the police are also probing whether the murder was linked to prior enmity, gang rivalry, or other criminal disputes, which are often associated with cases involving rowdy-sheeters.
Focus on organised crime networks
The case has once again highlighted the presence of organised criminal networks operating in parts of coastal Karnataka. Law enforcement agencies are now intensifying efforts to dismantle such groups and prevent further incidents.
Senior officials emphasised that strict action will be taken against all those found involved, either directly or indirectly, in the crime. Increased surveillance and intelligence gathering have also been initiated in sensitive areas to curb retaliatory violence.
Conclusion
The revelation of an earlier failed murder attempt has added a new dimension to the investigation into Arif’s killing, pointing to a well-planned and persistent conspiracy. With more arrests expected in the coming days, the police aim to uncover the full extent of the network behind the crime and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.