Mulki: In a disturbing incident linked to the popular coastal sport of Kambala, three persons were arrested for allegedly attempting to assault and extort money from the owner of prize-winning buffaloes at the Mulki Kambala. The incident occurred at Angaragudde village under the limits of the Mulki Police Station in Dakshina Kannada district on January 3, 2026.
According to the police, the accused barged into the house of Shamsuddin, a resident of Angaragudde Kenchanakere, and threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to pay weekly extortion money, commonly referred to as hafta. The accused allegedly went to the extent of intimidating him by asking whether he would be willing to give his cattle for slaughter, a remark that caused fear and outrage in the locality.
Threats following Kambala success
Shamsuddin’s buffaloes had recently won prizes at the Mulki Arasu Kambala, one of the prominent traditional buffalo races in the region. Police said the accused targeted him soon after the event, allegedly believing that he had received substantial prize money and valuables.
The accused reportedly demanded a portion of the prize money along with a gold chain that Shamsuddin had received as part of the Kambala award. When he refused to comply with their demands, they allegedly attempted to assault him inside his house.
“The accused entered the house without permission and issued threats, demanding money on a weekly basis. When the victim refused, they tried to physically attack him,” a police officer said.
Local residents intervene
Hearing the commotion, local residents rushed to the spot and intervened. Their timely action prevented the situation from escalating further. The accused were chased away from the area, and Shamsuddin later approached the Mulki Police Station to lodge a formal complaint.
The incident has caused concern among residents, particularly those involved in traditional sports such as Kambala, who fear being targeted by antisocial elements following prize wins.
Background of the victim
Police said Shamsuddin is currently looking after agricultural land, plantations, plots and a residential house belonging to a Mumbai-based businessman. He is also known locally for maintaining buffaloes that participate in Kambala races.
Investigators said there was no prior enmity reported between the victim and the accused, suggesting that the motive behind the incident was purely extortion driven by the recent Kambala success.
Swift police action and arrests
Based on the complaint, Mulki police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to criminal intimidation, attempt to assault and extortion. A special team was formed to trace the accused.
Following the investigation, police arrested the three accused — Shyamasundar Shetty, Akshay Poojary and Suveen Kanchan. They were taken into custody for questioning and further legal proceedings are underway.
“The accused have been arrested and will be produced before the court. We are also verifying whether they are involved in similar incidents in the past,” the police said.
Concern over extortion attempts
The incident has sparked concern in Mulki and surrounding areas, with residents calling for strict action against those who attempt to exploit cultural events and intimidate participants. Community leaders said Kambala is a traditional sport rooted in local culture and should not become a trigger for criminal activities.
Police have assured the public that they will take firm action against extortion attempts and urged citizens to report such incidents without fear.
Conclusion
With the arrest of the three accused, police believe the immediate threat to the victim has been neutralised. However, the incident has highlighted the need for vigilance and strong law enforcement to ensure that traditional events like Kambala remain celebrations of culture and sport, free from criminal interference.