Mangaluru: Seven arrested in rowdy-sheeter Arif murder case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 9, 2026: Police have arrested seven accused in connection with the murder of Arif, a rowdy-sheeter and resident of Kinya Ajjinadka.

According to police, the arrested individuals include Rifat, Juttu Ashfaq, Khalil, Shakir, Irfan, Rizwan, and Irshad, who allegedly assisted in the murder.

City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy stated that interrogation of the accused has revealed the brutality of the crime and an organized conspiracy behind it.

The incident, which took place on March 27, had posed a major challenge to the police. Arif was on his way to the Dakke fish market on a motorcycle when a group intercepted him near the Thokkottu flyover. The assailants attacked him with deadly weapons and fled the scene.

Police said that six accused, including Rifat, Juttu Ashfaq, Khalil, Shakir, Irfan, and Rizwan, had followed Arif’s motorcycle in a car. Near a deserted stretch at the Thokkottu flyover, they rammed his bike from behind, causing him to fall. They then brutally assaulted him with lethal weapons before escaping.

Investigations have revealed the involvement of a larger network behind the murder. Irshad is said to have arranged accommodation for the accused before the crime and played a key role in transporting them to the crime scene. Police believe that prior enmity was the motive behind the murder.

It has also been found that a rented car used in the crime was arranged by Suhail, who later handed it over to Rifat and fled to Saudi Arabia.

Another individual, Arshad, allegedly supplied weapons to the group. He also kept track of police movements, relaying real-time information to the accused, and arranged financial and logistical support while they were absconding.

Digital support: Police revealed that an individual named Ashveer helped the accused evade detection using technical means. Operating from Dubai, he procured OTPs to activate international WhatsApp numbers for the accused. Whenever one number came under police scrutiny, another was provided to maintain communication.

Financial aid from abroad: Investigations have confirmed that Mustafa and Ashveer, based overseas, provided financial assistance for the accused to hide and cover travel expenses. Police suspect the involvement of more individuals in the case. Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the remaining absconding accused, the Commissioner added.