Mangaluru: Absconding rowdy-sheeter Safwan Hussain, accused in 21 cases, arrested after 9 years on the run

Mangaluru: Absconding rowdy-sheeter Safwan Hussain, accused in 21 cases, arrested after 9 years on the run

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 19, 2026: In a major operation, the CCB police have arrested notorious rowdy-sheeter Safwan Hussain (42), who had been absconding for the past nine years and was involved in 21 criminal cases.

The accused was involved in around 21 cases registered under the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate and Udupi district limits, including two murders, four attempted murders, gang rape, five robberies, kidnapping, extortion, assault on police officers, theft, chain snatching, assault on fellow inmates inside jail, unlawful assembly and rioting, criminal intimidation, obstruction of duty, and preparation and conspiracy to commit dacoity.

The arrested accused has been identified as Safwan Hussain (42), a resident of Haleyangady village and a known rowdy-sheeter.

He was convicted by the High Court on February 28, 2020, in connection with the 2008 kidnapping, robbery, and murder case of a person named Praveen registered at Mulki Police Station, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by a court in connection with a 2008 robbery case registered at Karkala Police Station. Thirteen cases against him are still pending trial in court, and arrest warrants have been issued. In five cases, he has been declared a proclaimed offender (LPC).

In 2017, under the Surathkal Police Station limits, he, along with his associates, allegedly kidnapped, assaulted, and murdered a man named Lekki Sahwan and disposed of the body in the Agumbe Ghat area. After the incident, he absconded to avoid arrest.

Later, he reportedly changed his name to Umar Mohammed Nasir in Rayachoti, Andhra Pradesh, and obtained fake Aadhaar and passport documents under the false identity. Since 2018, he had fled abroad and remained in hiding. Complaints were also received alleging that he extorted money from Mangaluru-based businessmen residing abroad.

The Mangaluru CCB police secured his custody from Rayachoti in Andhra Pradesh and handed him over to Mulki Police Station for further legal action. Addressing a press conference, the City Police Commissioner said that efforts are underway to identify and take legal action against those who helped the accused obtain fake documents, passports, and provided shelter while he was absconding.