Mangaluru: The key accused, who is allegedly involved in the sensational murder case of Sharath Madivala, has surrendered to JMFC court in Bantwal on Friday, March 1.

The accused who has surrendered to court after being on the run for 19 months has been identified as Khalandar Nissar alias Mohammed Nissar (27), son of T Ibrahim, a resident of Panolibail in Sajipamooda village in Bantwal taluk.

According to sources from Bantwal Town police station, the accused had been absconding since Sharath Madivala had been murdered, an incident which took place at BC Road on July 4, 2017. Reportedly, Nissar tried to obtain bail in district sessions court and High Court, but failed. Having no any other option, he surrendered to JMFC court.

With the detention of Khalandar Nissar, the number of arrests in this case has increased to 17. There had been a lot of chaos in the district after the murder of Sharath Madivala. Incidents of stone pelting also took place during Sharath’s funeral procession. Right-wing activists had staged several protests demanding the arrest of the culprits, mounting pressure on the police department.