Mangaluru Police Apprehend Two Long-Term Fugitives in Separate Operations
In a significant crackdown on fugitives, the Puttur Town police in Mangaluru have successfully arrested two individuals who had been evading the law for nearly a decade each in separate cases. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to bring long-term absconders to justice.
First Case: Abbas Ali Altaf's Nine-Year Evasion Ends
The police arrested Abbas Ali Altaf, a 55-year-old resident originally from Puttur Kasaba village and currently living in Padavu, Mangaluru. Altaf had been evading trial for an astonishing nine years in two cases registered at the Puttur Town police station. He was apprehended at Bikarnakatte and promptly presented before the court.
Following his arrest, the court ordered judicial custody for Altaf until February 27. Notably, Altaf had previously obtained conditional bail but violated its terms by absconding and failing to appear for trial. As a result, a separate case was registered against him at the Puttur Town police station under Section 269 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), emphasizing the legal consequences for bail condition breaches.
Second Case: Yogesh Poojari Captured After a Decade
In a parallel operation, the police arrested Yogesh Poojari, a 35-year-old from Naravi village in Belthangady taluk. Poojari had been absconding for approximately 10 years in connection with a warrant issued by the Venur police station. The charges against him include sections 448, 354(A)(2), and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Sections 11 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Poojari was apprehended in Naganur village, Gokak taluk, Belagavi district. He was presented before a court on Saturday, and similar to Altaf, the court ordered judicial custody for him. This arrest underscores the police's commitment to tracking down individuals involved in serious offenses, regardless of the time elapsed.
Legal Implications and Police Efforts
These arrests demonstrate the persistent efforts by law enforcement agencies in Mangaluru to address long-pending cases. The use of judicial custody ensures that the accused remain in detention while legal proceedings continue, preventing further evasion.
- Both cases involve individuals who exploited legal loopholes, such as conditional bail, to avoid trial.
- The registration of additional charges, like under Section 269 of the BNS for Altaf, serves as a deterrent against future bail violations.
- The police's cross-district operations, as seen in Poojari's arrest in Belagavi, highlight coordinated efforts to apprehend fugitives beyond local jurisdictions.
Authorities have reiterated their focus on clearing backlogs and ensuring that justice is served, even in cases where suspects have been on the run for extended periods. The public is encouraged to report any information related to absconders to assist in similar operations.
