Newskarnataka – Mangalore

Mangalore: The investigation into the case of murder of auto rickshaw driver Rajesh at Kalpane auto rickshaw stand near BC Road on March 21 has had a breakthrough after the police arrested three prime accused.

The arrested men have been identified as Imran, Irshad and Hussain, residents of Demmale in Mallur. A bike and two weapons used to commit the crime have been recovered from them. However the alleged masterminds behind the murder Altaf and Isaac are absconding and search for the duo is on.

Among the three arrested, two have been remanded in judicial custody. Irshad has been handed over to police custody for further interrogation.

Rajesh was said to be prime accused in the murder of Iqbal, a resident of Bantwal Kelaginapete, who had been hacked to death in Goremaar rubber estate in Pacchinadka in 2008. Investigation has revealed that the murder of Rajesh was in retaliation to the murder of Iqbal.

A special team led by Beltangady CI Lingappa Poojary was formed by the district SP Dr Sharanappa to investigate the murder. The team has been successful in apprehending three of the accused within 10 days.