The police have arrested ten persons on Saturday for their alleged involvement in the murder of the gangster Hayath Bacha that took place in Anna Nagar in the city recently.
The police have identified the arrested as Khurram Motu, Keeli Imran, Arbaz, Shahrukh Khan, Shaadab, Aliaz Ashu, Mohammed Suhail, M.D. Zaidan, Asadullah Khan and Irfan. All of them are residents of Shivamogga city. They were arrested from their hideout on the outskirts of the city.
The police have also seized two two-wheelers, three sickles and three knives used to execute the crime from the arrested. Cases have been booked against the arrested under Sections 302 (murder) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.
Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare told press persons here on Saturday that gang rivalry was the motive behind the murder. The gang, led by Khurram Motu and Keeli Imran, used to frequently quarrel with members of another gang led by the deceased Hayath and his cousin Moin. The members of both gangs were involved numerous unlawful activities including the sale of drugs, dacoity and extortion.
The police had arrested Hayath and 20 others in October 2016 for their alleged involvement in extortion and intimidating a businessman in the city. Hayath was recently released on bail and was murdered on February 8. The blood samples collected from the crime scene, the weapons used in the murder, and the shirts that were worn by the arrested while executing the crime have been sent to Forensic Sciences Laboratory for analysis. The police have also secured video clippings of the crime that was recorded by a surveillance camera nearby. Based on the clippings, some more people will be arrested for their involvement, he said.
Replying to a query, Mr. Khare said that there are around 1,600 rowdy sheeters in the district of which 625 are in Shivamogga city. The police have maintained vigil over the activities of these persons, he said.
Additional Superintendent of Police Vincet Shanthakumar was present at the press conference.
