Maximum sentence sought for Malabari

Fourth Additional District and Sessions Judge B.K. Naik has reserved orders on the quantum of punishment for Rasheed Malabari, an associate of underworld operative Chota Shakeel, who has been found guilty of illegal possession of arms.

The Judge had on Monday found Malabari and his associate Mohammed Hasim guilty of possession of two pistols and live bullets in March 2009. During the hearing on sentence on Wednesday, prosecutor Manjunath V. Bhat Panne said illegal possession of arms was a serious offence. Malabari has been involved in cases of murder, assault, and extortion of industrialists in the city. Mr. Bhat asked the judge to sentence the two for the maximum period of ten years.

Counsel’s claim

Malabari’s counsel Purushottam Poojary said the two pistols recovered from convicted persons were not prohibited weapons. Mr. Poojary asked the court to release the two persons considering that they have been in prison for more than four years.