Sullia: Sullia police have arrested two persons in connection with the assault and murder of a man who was allegedly lured from Sullia to Duggaladka on the pretext of hiring a car in October last year. The victim, identified as Abdul Jabbar, succumbed to his injuries the following day, prompting police to convert the case into murder after medical confirmation.

The arrests follow a detailed investigation based on a complaint filed by the victim’s wife, Sumayya (35), a resident of Kasta village. Police said the case initially began as one of assault but was later altered to murder after medical and forensic findings established a direct link between the injuries sustained and the death.

Complaint and sequence of events

According to the complaint filed by Sumayya, the incident dates back to October 16, 2025. She stated that her husband Abdul Jabbar was taken by the accused, Mohammed Rafiq and others, to Duggaladka in the afternoon under the guise of hiring a car.

The complaint alleged that Abdul Jabbar was harassed at Duggaladka and later brought back to the Kallugundi area, where he was brutally assaulted. The accused allegedly threatened him with death before sending him back home in an injured condition.

Sumayya told police that her husband did not immediately disclose the full extent of the assault. However, his health deteriorated rapidly after returning home, indicating the seriousness of the injuries he had sustained.

Victim succumbs to injuries

On October 17, Abdul Jabbar reportedly fell seriously ill at home. Family members rushed him to a hospital for treatment. Despite medical intervention, he died the same day.

Following his death, Sumayya approached the police and filed a formal complaint on October 18. In her statement, she alleged that the assault carried out by Mohammed Rafiq, also known as Rafiq Padu, and others was the direct cause of her husband’s death.

Based on her complaint, police registered a case bearing Crime No. 125/2025 at Sullia Police Station under Section 105 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to culpable homicide and acts done with common intention.

Case altered to murder after medical report

During the course of the investigation, police sought a detailed medical opinion regarding the cause of death. The post-mortem and medical reports confirmed that Abdul Jabbar’s death was a result of the injuries sustained during the assault.

Following this confirmation, police altered the case to murder under Section 103 read with Section 3(5) of the BNS. Officials said the change in charges reflected the gravity of the offence and the findings of the medical examination.

Senior police officers noted that the medical evidence played a crucial role in establishing the chain of events that led from the assault to the victim’s death.

Arrest of prime accused

After gathering evidence and recording statements, police arrested the prime accused Mohammed Rafiq (41), a resident of Sullia Kasba. He was produced before the court, which granted police custody for further interrogation.

During the investigation, police also seized the car that was allegedly used to transport the victim during the course of the crime. Officials said the vehicle would be subjected to further forensic examination as part of the probe.

Police sources indicated that Rafiq’s custodial interrogation was necessary to establish the roles of other individuals involved and to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the fatal assault.

Second accused held, probe continues

Another accused, Manohar K. S. alias Manu (42), a resident of Sampaje, Sullia, has also been arrested in connection with the case. He was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody.

Police stated that further investigation is underway to determine the involvement of additional accused mentioned in the complaint. Officers are examining call records, movement of vehicles and witness statements to strengthen the case.

“The investigation is still in progress. We are verifying all angles and the role played by each accused,” a police official said, adding that more arrests are not being ruled out.

Seriousness of the crime

The case has drawn attention locally due to the manner in which the victim was allegedly lured under false pretences and later assaulted. Police officials said such incidents underscore the need for strict action against violent crimes and those involving conspiracy.

Legal experts noted that the application of murder charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita reflects the emphasis on holding all persons acting with common intention equally accountable.

Conclusion

With the arrest of two accused and seizure of key evidence, the Sullia police have made significant progress in the case. However, investigators have indicated that the probe is far from complete. As the investigation continues, authorities aim to ensure that all those responsible for Abdul Jabbar’s death are brought to justice and prosecuted in accordance with law.