Mangaluru: A court in Mangaluru has sentenced a man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for assaulting a police officer during a night patrol in 2017. The Additional District and Sessions Court (FTSC-1) also imposed a total fine of ₹50,000 on the accused.

The convicted individual has been identified as Mohammed Niyaz, a resident of Surathkal. He was found guilty of attacking Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Aithappa while the officer was performing official duties in the early hours of April 5, 2017.

Night patrol turns violent

According to case details, ASI Aithappa was on routine night patrol duty on the instructions of the inspector of Urwa Police Station. At around 3.20 am, while he reached Lady Hill Circle, he was intercepted by Mohammed Niyaz and his associate Shameer, who were travelling on a motorcycle.

Shameer allegedly initiated a conversation with the ASI in Tulu, questioning him about his police station. When Aithappa identified himself as being attached to Urwa Police Station and enquired about their presence at such an hour, the situation escalated.

Investigators revealed that Shameer then spoke to Niyaz in Malayalam before the attack unfolded.

Assault with iron rod

Moments later, Mohammed Niyaz allegedly got off the motorcycle and struck the ASI on the head with an iron rod. The sudden blow caused Aithappa to collapse on the road. The prosecution stated that Niyaz even instigated his accomplice to kill the officer while he lay injured.

However, the situation changed when members of the public began gathering at the scene. Fearing capture, both accused fled the spot immediately.

ASI Aithappa sustained serious injuries in the attack and required medical attention. The incident was treated as a grave assault on a public servant performing lawful duty.

Motive linked to prior police action

The prosecution argued that the attack was not random but carried out in retaliation for earlier police action. Authorities had reportedly taken action against individuals associated with the Popular Front of India (PFI) following an attempt to gherao the Police Commissioner’s office.

Investigators linked the accused to this background, suggesting the assault was motivated by anger against police action.

Investigation and trial

A case was registered at Urwa Police Station under Sections 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant), 333 (causing grievous hurt to deter public servant), and 307 (attempt to murder), read with Section 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.

The investigation was led by then Assistant Commissioner of Police Uday M Nayak, who later filed a detailed charge sheet before the court.

During the trial, the court examined 19 witnesses and reviewed 36 documents as part of the evidence. The prosecution was represented by public prosecutors Harishchandra Udyavar and Badrinath Nairy.

Court verdict and sentence

After evaluating the evidence and testimonies, the court found Mohammed Niyaz guilty on all counts. The judge sentenced him to:

  • Two years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 332 IPC with a fine of ₹10,000
  • Three years under Section 333 IPC with a fine of ₹15,000
  • Seven years under Section 307 IPC with a fine of ₹25,000

The sentences are to run concurrently, making seven years the effective term of imprisonment.

Out of the total fine amount of ₹50,000, the court directed that ₹45,000 be paid as compensation to the injured ASI Aithappa.

Co-accused absconding

Meanwhile, the second accused in the case, Shameer alias Shammi, remains absconding. According to Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, a Red Corner Notice has been issued against him as he is believed to be hiding abroad.

Authorities have stated that efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend him at the earliest.

Conclusion

The verdict highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on crimes against public servants, particularly law enforcement personnel on duty. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences of attacking police officers and reinforces the importance of safeguarding those tasked with maintaining law and order.