Mangaluru Police Apprehend Fugitive Murder Convict After Eight-Year Search
In a significant law enforcement achievement, Mangaluru police have successfully traced and arrested a notorious history-sheeter involved in multiple serious crimes, including murder, who had been evading capture for eight years after a dramatic escape from custody. The breakthrough highlights persistent investigative efforts in Karnataka.
Decade-Long Legal Saga Culminates in Arrest
NM. Azeez, a resident of Ajjavara in Sullia, was originally an accused in a case registered under Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code in 2012. Despite a conviction warrant, he remained absconding for eight years. The Karnataka High Court had sentenced him to ten years of imprisonment in this case, underscoring the gravity of the charges.
His evasion took a dramatic turn in 2018 when, while being produced before the Sullia court by Kerala police, Azeez allegedly assaulted court staff and managed to escape from custody. Following this incident, he adopted a new identity as Basavaraju, claiming residency in Jevargi, Kalaburagi, and subsequently lived in Andhra Pradesh to avoid detection.
Intensive Manhunt Leads to Capture in Andhra Pradesh
Police teams conducted continuous and coordinated efforts to locate Azeez. Their persistence paid off when they confirmed he was lodged in Chittoor Jail in Andhra Pradesh. With the necessary permissions from the concerned court, authorities secured him through a body warrant and took him into custody. Legal procedures are now being initiated to ensure he serves his sentence.
Separate Case: Theft Suspect Arrested After Eight Years
In another notable development, Bantwal Rural police arrested a theft accused who had been absconding for nearly eight years after failing to appear before the court. The accused, Shakeel P, 43, a resident of Palakkad, Kerala, was wanted at Bantwal Rural police station under Section 379 (theft) read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC.
Acting on a credible tip-off, police personnel HC Santosh and PC Shivananda Maddi traced and arrested Shakeel at Tirur in Kerala on Friday. He was subsequently produced before the ACJ & JMFC court in Bantwal, marking the end of his long evasion from justice.
These arrests demonstrate the relentless pursuit of fugitives by Mangaluru police, ensuring that individuals accused of serious crimes are brought to justice, regardless of the time elapsed.
