Mangalore, June 23, 2014: The police on June 21 further arrested two associates of underworld operative Ravi Poojary and Khali Yogish who allegedly planned to eliminate two builders of the city.
Police Commissioner R. Hithendra said the arrested persons were named Subramanya (27) of Kolar, who was presently staying in Bejai, and Kiran (30), a resident of Marigudi who had planned to instill panic in the builders lobby.
The Commissioner added the duo had been paid Rs. 2.5 lakh for the murders. Three country-made pistols, 17 live bullets and two mobile phones were recovered from the two accused. Police also recovered Rs. 1.5 lakh that was paid to the duo for carrying out the murders.
“The two builders, however, have not filed complaints about the threats they had received from the underworld operatives,” Mr. Hithendra said and added there were about five groups associated with the underworld operatives trying to establish dominance. “It is not Ravi Poojary alone who is active. Other underworld operatives are also on our radar,” he said. In the last few weeks, the city police have arrested as many as 10 alleged associates of Poojary and Yogish.
Subramanya was among the accused arrested in connection with the murder of advocate Noushad Kashimji in 2009. In 2011, Subramanya was arrested along with one Taranath Kulal by the Mangalore North police while they were receiving Rs. 1 lakh reportedly on the instructions of Poojary. He was also involved in attempting to kidnap a businessman for the latter’s failure to pay ransom to Poojary in Mulky police station limits.
He was also reportedly involved in arranging finance for the murder of underworld operative Bejai Raja in 2012. The police said Kiran was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Nagesh Poojary in 2011 and also in the murder of Bejai Raja. With this the police progress has been impressive in this case.