7 arrested in connection with murder of rowdy-sheeter in Karnataka

Mangaluru: The police have apprehended seven key accused in connection with the murder of rowdy-sheeter Arif at the Thokkottu flyover, on March 27.

Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said those who have been secured are Rifat, Juttu Ashfaq, Khaleel, Shakir, Irfan, Rizwan and Irshad.

Explaining the incident, he said on the day of the crime, six primary accused—Rifat, Juttu Ashfaq, Khaleel, Shakir, Irfan, and Rizwan— followed the victim’s bike. Using a MUV car, they rammed Arif's bike from behind before carrying out a fatal assault and fled the scene.

The investigation has detailed a sophisticated support network used to plan and execute the crime. Six accused had carried out the direct attack. Irshad has been identified as a key facilitator who provided accommodation to the suspects prior to the murder and helped them to flee from the spot.

The commissioner said Suhail is alleged to have secured the rental vehicle used in the crime, handing it over to Rifat before immediately fleeing to Saudi Arabia.

One Arshad played a pivotal role by procuring weapons and maintaining constant communication with the team. He reportedly monitored police movements, provided real-time updates, arranged personal transportation, and funded the suspects while they were on the run. Ashwir, a co-accused from a previous case, provided technical assistance to evade police surveillance.

He supplied foreign (Dubai) OTPs to the suspects, allowing them to use international WhatsApp accounts locally. When one number was identified by police, he provided fresh credentials to ensure their communication remained undetected, added the commissioner.

The investigation suggested that Mustafa and Ashwir, operating from abroad, provided the necessary funding for travel, lodging, and logistical arrangements while the suspects were hiding.

The police suspect that there is a larger conspiracy and are tracking other suspects and trying to find other people who may have helped them.

The commissioner said that old rivalry and Arif celebrating the death of rowdy sheeter Naufal are said to be the motive behind the murder.