Mangaluru: The Mulki police have registered a case under the stringent Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) against three accused in connection with an alleged attack on a farmer at Angaragudde, reportedly carried out as part of an extortion attempt. The development comes after police found that the accused were involved in multiple serious criminal cases, prompting the invocation of special legislation meant to curb organised crime.

The accused have been identified as Shyam Sundar Shetty of Kerekadu, Akash Poojary, and Suveen. City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy confirmed that cases under the KCOCA have been registered against all three individuals following an in-depth review of their criminal backgrounds and the nature of the offence.

Background of the incident

According to the police, the incident took place on January 1 in Angaragudde, within the jurisdiction of the Mulki police station. The accused allegedly targeted a neighbour of Shamsu Saheb, a local resident who owns Kambala buffaloes, and demanded a sum of Rs 50,000 as extortion money. When the demand was refused, the accused are said to have resorted to violence.

Police sources stated that Shamsu Saheb and his son were allegedly assaulted by the accused after the family declined to pay the demanded amount. The attack caused panic in the locality and raised concerns among residents about the growing influence of criminal elements in the region.

Following the assault, Shamsu Saheb’s son, Sahabuddin, lodged a formal complaint at the Mulki police station, detailing the sequence of events and naming the alleged attackers.

Criminal history of the accused

During the course of the investigation, the police examined the criminal records of the accused and found a pattern of repeated and serious offences. According to official sources, accused Suveen is involved in one murder case, two attempted murder cases, one dacoity case, and one case related to ganja. Several of these cases are still pending before the courts.

Another accused, Akash Poojary, has multiple cases registered against him, including attempted murder, caste-based abuse, and obstructing a government official from discharging duty. These cases, too, are at various stages of investigation and trial.

The police noted that the repeated involvement of the accused in grave offences indicated organised criminal activity rather than isolated incidents. This assessment played a key role in the decision to invoke the KCOCA.

Decision to invoke KCOCA

City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said that as multiple criminal cases have been registered against the accused, and considering the seriousness of the current offence, a case under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act was registered within the jurisdiction of the Mulki police station.

“The accused have a long criminal history with several cases pending against them. In view of this, instructions have been issued to initiate further legal action under the KCOCA,” the commissioner said.

The KCOCA is a special law designed to deal with organised crime syndicates and habitual offenders involved in serious crimes such as murder, extortion, and dacoity. The Act allows for stricter provisions related to investigation, detention, and prosecution, with the objective of deterring organised criminal activities.

Police investigation and response

Following the registration of the complaint, the Mulki police launched an intensive investigation into the incident. Officers collected statements from witnesses, examined previous case records, and assessed the modus operandi of the accused. Based on the findings, senior police officials approved the registration of the case under the KCOCA.

Police officials said that invoking the Act would strengthen the case against the accused and enable law enforcement agencies to effectively address the threat posed by habitual offenders. Further investigations are underway to determine whether the accused are linked to any larger criminal network operating in the coastal region.

Impact on the local community

The incident has caused concern among residents of Angaragudde and nearby areas, who have expressed apprehension over extortion attempts and violent attacks. Local farmers and small business owners, in particular, have welcomed the police action, stating that strong measures are necessary to ensure public safety and restore confidence.

Police have assured the public that strict action will be taken against those involved in organised crime and that additional patrolling and surveillance will be carried out in sensitive areas to prevent similar incidents.

Conclusion

The registration of a KCOCA case against the three accused marks a significant step by the Mangaluru police in tackling organised crime and protecting vulnerable sections of society from extortion and violence. With further legal action underway, authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that habitual offenders are brought to justice under the full extent of the law.