Mangaluru: The Bantwal Rural police have arrested three persons in connection with a cattle theft incident reported near Thumbay on August 14. The stolen cattle were killed, and their remains were found in the same locality on August 15.

Arrested accused identified

According to police, the arrested have been identified as:

  • Irshad (34), resident of Chembugudde, Ullal,

  • Mohammed Mansoor (48), resident of Kudroli, Mangaluru, and

  • Abdul Azeem (18), resident of Kannur, Mangaluru.

    • The trio was taken into custody on September 5. Police said a case was registered at Bantwal Rural Police Station under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 4 and 12 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, and Section 11(D) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

    Linked to another cattle theft case

    During interrogation, police found that the arrested accused were also allegedly involved in another cattle theft case registered at Uppinangady Police Station on September 4. That case was booked under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the BNS, along with provisions of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020.

    Officials confirmed that investigations into both cases are underway.

    Case registered against man for spreading misinformation

    In a related development, police registered a case against a man for allegedly spreading false information and attempting to disrupt communal harmony following a cattle theft incident in Bantwal taluk.

    On the night of September 4, miscreants reportedly stole and killed cattle from a shed near a house at Kadambu in Perne village, Bantwal. During public discussions about the crime, Narasimha Shetty Mani allegedly circulated a video on social media containing misleading information and provocative remarks.

    Police said the content not only spread misinformation about the theft but also attempted to create hatred and enmity between communities, which could disturb communal harmony and instil fear among the public.

    Following this, Bantwal Rural Police registered a case against Narasimha Shetty Mani. Officials added that further legal action will be taken and investigations are in progress.

    Conclusion

    The arrests and subsequent cases highlight police efforts in Dakshina Kannada to curb cattle theft and strictly deal with misinformation capable of disrupting communal peace. Authorities stressed that both illegal slaughter activities and deliberate attempts to spread provocative content will be met with strong legal action.