Mangaluru: Murder-for-gain accused held after six years on the run

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 5, 2026: The Surathkal police have arrested a key accused in a murder-for-gain case who had been absconding for the past six years.

The case dates back to February 8, 2014, when Sumathi Prabhu, a resident of Kulai Hosabettu, was brutally murdered. According to police, the assailants slit her throat and fled with gold ornaments weighing 192 grams (24 sovereigns), valued at around Rs 3.8 lakh. A case was registered at Surathkal police station under relevant sections of the IPC, including murder and robbery.

During the initial investigation, police had arrested three suspects — Shivaram from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan, Bahadur Singh (also known as Bahaddura or Buyya) from Bharatpur, and Shahnawaz (also known as Shanu) from Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh.

While the trial was in progress at the 2nd Additional District and Sessions Court, Bahadur Singh absconded and failed to attend court proceedings for the last six years. Despite a non-bailable warrant, he remained untraceable at his native place, prompting the court to issue a proclamation against him.

Following directions from senior officials, a special police team comprising HC Ajith Mathew, CPC Sunil Kusanal and CPC Mohan was formed. Acting on credible information, the team traced the accused to Gurumaranahalli in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district.

Bahadur Singh was apprehended on May 3, 2026, at around 1 pm and is being produced before the court. The operation was assisted by HC Rajendra Prasad and PC Satish.