The police are yet to ascertain any concrete motive behind the murder of Deepak Rao of Katipalla and name any organisation behind the incident, said Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Kamal Panth on Thursday.
According to complainants, a recent tiff over tying of buntings during a local festival could be the reason for the fatal assault, he said. Two special teams had been set up to investigate the murder and the subsequent assaults. Only after a detailed investigation, the motive could be ascertained, he added.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner T.R. Suresh said all the four accused have many police cases against them, including murder and attempt to murder. Mohammed Nawaz alias Pinky Nawaz, 23, has 12 cases, including three attempt to murder cases as well as theft cases. Rizwan alias Ijju, 24, has four cases — one murder and three attempt to murder cases, while Mohammed Naushad, 22, has three cases — one murder, one attempt to murder, and one attempt to rape case, and Mohammed Irshan, 21, has one case each of murder and attempt to murder.
While Nawaz and Rizwan are in hospital, a court has remanded Naushad and Irshan in police custody for two days.
Cash award
The police top brass showered appreciation on the Mangaluru city police for their swift action in apprehending the accused in Rao’s murder, and announced a cash award of ₹1.2 lakh for the team. Mr. Panth told reporters here that the personnel risked their lives while nabbing the four accused.
Detailing the sequence of events, he said information about the car in which accused were travelling was flashed on wireless, and pickets were arranged everywhere. Even as Home Guard Harish on duty at Moorkaveri picket on Mulki–Moodbidri Road spotted the car, it took a U-turn and sped away. On getting the information, Mulki sub-inspector of police Sheetal Algur and his team followed the vehicle and fired at it when the accused did not stop. As the car got stuck in a kutcha road, Nawaz and Rizwan got out and ran away while Naushad and Irshan were apprehended. Later, CCB inspector Shantharam and Panambur inspector Rafique apprehended Nawaz and Rizwan after firing at them, Mr. Panth said. The ADGP also commended the Mangaluru police for ensuring peaceful funeral of Rao.
The police team that arrested the accused also included assistant sub-inspector of police B. Chandrashekhara, head constable H.K. Mahesh, constables Suresha and Mohammed Hussain, and Home Guard Mallika.
Heavy bandobast would continue to remain in place in the city
