Cattle trader found dead under mysterious circumstances

A person, who was transporting cattle along with three other people, was found dead in a hilly area in Perdur, Udupi district, under mysterious circumstances, early Wednesday.

The deceased is Husseinabba, about 62 years and a resident of Jokatte near Surathkal, who was into cattle trading for the last 35 years. He was a well-known person in the area. He had a valid panchayat license for his trade.

According to his brother-in-law Shekunhi, Bajrang Dal activists killed Husseinabba, who was in a Scorpio with his cattle. He had purchased the cattle from traders for business. Alleging that Husseinabba was murdered by known people, he said that two years ago, Husseinabba was tied up by the Bajrang Dal activists and forcibly made to drink urine.

During the attack, Husseinabba was left alone and chased, while the other men ran away. He added that injuries were found on his leg and the left eye. He was on good terms with the local people.

Husseinabba's family was informed of his death by an unknown person through the deceased's phone. The caller informed them that Husseinabba had fallen to his death at a hillside area, he added.

Veteran Congress leader M A Gafoor said that the death is suspicious and an inquiry should be held immediately to ensure justice to the victim. A case is registered at the Heeriyadka police station alleging murder.

Speaking to reporters, SP Laxman Nimbargi said that the police received a call at 4.15 am over illegal cattle trafficking. The PSI rushed to the spot along with the police. On seeing them, the vehicle took a reverse and in the process, got stuck in the mud. There were 12 cattle, and two of them were dead.

However, at around 11 am, the caller informed about the dead body. Family members have registered a case alleging murder. They have also alleged that Husseinabba was manhandled. As he could not run away, he might have collapsed and died, they said.

The post-mortem report would give more details, the SP said and added that the doctors have been asked to give the report at the earliest. The family members of Husseinabba have suspected the role of a certain Surya and other members in the case.