Mangaluru police nab prime accused in 2017 case, arrest 52 long-term absconders

Mangaluru: In a significant breakthrough, the Mangaluru City Police have arrested Niyaz alias Niya, the prime accused in a 2017 case of assault and attempted murder of a police officer registered at the Urwa police station.

After years of evading arrest and skipping court appearances, Niyaz was tracked down and arrested on the morning of September 11 from Hulimavu, Arekere, on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

According to officials, he was wanted in 13 criminal cases across multiple police stations in Mangaluru and Udupi districts. “Several courts had issued non-bailable warrants against him. His arrest is the result of sustained intelligence-based operations,” a senior officer from the Mangaluru City Commissionerate confirmed.

Crackdown on long-term absconders

Alongside the high-profile arrest, police announced that a three-month-long special operation had resulted in the arrest of 52 absconding accused, all of whom had been evading the law for more than two years.

These arrests mark one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on chronic offenders in the region, bringing long-pending cases back into the judicial fold.

High-profile arrests include rioting and communal violence cases

Among those arrested are individuals accused in communal violence and rioting incidents, including:

• Chandrahasa Keshav Shettigar

These arrests are expected to help revive stalled trials and reinforce accountability in long-drawn riot-related cases.

Rowdy-sheeters and narcotics cases

The crackdown also targeted several rowdy-sheeters who had managed to remain underground for years. Notable arrests include:

• Aditya Kumar

In addition, police nabbed absconders involved in NDPS Act cases linked to drug possession and trafficking. These include:

• Pumpa Kashi

Murder and attempted murder suspects held

Several individuals accused in murder and attempted murder cases were also apprehended. Among them are:

• Shanawaz alias Shaan (murder case)

Their arrests close the chapter on multiple violent crime cases that had been pending due to their prolonged evasion.

Action against wilful evasion

Police also brought to justice 12 other individuals with long-standing non-bailable warrants, including Vishal Kumar, Mohammad Nihal, Irshad, and Hanif Kokkada. These individuals were accused of deliberately avoiding judicial summons for extended periods.

Fresh cases have been booked under Sections 208, 209, and 269 of the IPC, along with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing wilful evasion of court proceedings and endangerment of public safety.

Police statement and supervision

A senior police official said, “This drive reflects our commitment to ensuring that no one can escape the law indefinitely. All absconders will be brought to justice.”

The extensive operation was carried out under the direct supervision of the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner, with coordinated efforts from multiple police stations and specialised investigation units.

Conclusion

MANGALURU: The arrest of Niyaz and 52 long-term absconders is a major success for city police, signalling a strong stand against chronic offenders who believe they can evade justice. By reviving long-pending cases, the police have not only reinforced the reach of law but also reassured citizens that no offender can remain beyond the law’s grasp forever.