Mangaluru Police Capture Notorious Dandupalya Gang Member After 29-Year Pursuit
In a significant law enforcement achievement, the Mangaluru police have successfully apprehended Chikka Hanuma, a key member of the infamous Dandupalya gang, bringing an end to a manhunt that spanned nearly three decades. The arrest marks a crucial breakthrough in multiple high-profile criminal cases that have haunted Karnataka for years.
Decades of Evasion and Concealed Identity
The 55-year-old accused, also known as Chikka Hanumanthappa, had been living under the assumed name Krishna K N in Madanapalli, Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh. During his years on the run, he had established a completely new life – married and raising three children – while successfully evading law enforcement agencies.
According to police records, Hanuma had mastered the art of identity concealment, frequently changing his personal details and locations to avoid detection. His arrest on Thursday by the Urwa police team came after specific intelligence leads finally pinpointed his whereabouts.
Connection to 1997 Double Murder Case
The current arrest is directly linked to a particularly brutal crime that occurred on October 11, 1997. In this incident, members of the Dandupalya gang allegedly entered a residence in Anwar Mahal near Marigudi Cross in Urwa and murdered two individuals:
- Louiza D'Mello, 80 years old
- Ranjith Vegas, her 19-year-old grandson
The perpetrators not only took the lives of these victims but also stole their gold ornaments during the violent robbery. This case has remained a significant focus for Karnataka police for nearly three decades.
Complex Legal History and Pending Cases
The legal proceedings surrounding this case have been particularly complex. Following initial investigations, a trial court had convicted five accused individuals, including Chikka Hanuma's elder brother Dodda Hanuma, and initially awarded them the death penalty. However, the High Court later set aside these convictions and acquitted them on appeal.
Chikka Hanuma himself was never acquitted and continues to face trial in this double murder case, along with numerous other criminal proceedings across Karnataka. Police records indicate approximately 13 murder and robbery cases registered against him in the state, with 12 of these involving murder charges.
Notorious Criminal Background
The Dandupalya gang, originating from Dandupalya village in Bengaluru's Hoskote taluk, stands as one of Karnataka's most feared criminal organizations. Known for their involvement in:
- Brutal murders
- Armed robberies
- Sexual assaults
The gang has operated with impunity for decades, creating a reign of terror in multiple regions. Chikka Hanuma had been closely associated with this criminal outfit for years, participating in numerous high-profile crimes alongside senior gang members, including his own brother.
Police Coordination and Future Proceedings
Following his arrest, Chikka Hanuma was produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody. The Mangaluru police have initiated coordination with all relevant police stations across Karnataka to address the multiple pending cases against the accused.
Police officials have emphasized that this arrest represents a significant step toward ensuring justice in long-pending cases associated with the Dandupalya gang. Investigations into Hanuma's involvement in other criminal activities across the state are currently underway, with authorities committed to pursuing all legal avenues to bring closure to victims' families.
The breakthrough comes after Hanuma had previously been arrested in the mid-1990s in another murder case but managed to secure bail and subsequently disappear, beginning his nearly three-decade evasion of justice. His capture now opens the possibility for numerous cold cases to be reexamined and potentially resolved.
