Mangaluru Police Intensifies Crackdown on Bail Violators, Holds Sureties Accountable
In a significant move to curb the menace of accused individuals evading trial after securing bail, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH has announced stringent measures targeting the sureties who stand guarantee for such offenders. The police initiative aims to ensure that those released on bail comply with court conditions and attend proceedings without absconding.
Special Drive Identifies 38 Absconding Accused with Pending Warrants
As part of a focused six-month campaign, law enforcement authorities in Mangaluru have identified 38 absconding accused against whom a total of 48 warrants were pending. These cases span a considerable period, dating back from 1998 to 2023, highlighting the long-standing challenge of fugitives in the judicial system.
Commissioner Reddy revealed that during this intensive drive, approximately 15 rowdy-sheeters were successfully traced and apprehended. Their arrests have enabled the resumption of trial proceedings in the concerned cases, bringing a sense of justice to victims and their families.
Legal Action Against Sureties for Failing to Ensure Compliance
Addressing reporters on Saturday, Commissioner Reddy explained that all police stations within the city limits were directed to prioritize long-pending cases involving grave offences. These include communal murders, murder, rape, stone-pelting incidents, robbery, and dacoity, where the accused have managed to evade trial after being granted bail.
"In several serious instances, rowdy-sheeters misuse the bail granted by courts and deliberately avoid attending trial proceedings," stated Commissioner Reddy. "In response, we have begun initiating legal action against the sureties who stood guarantee for such accused."
The police chief emphasized that sureties must exercise due diligence when vouching for individuals involved in serious criminal activities. Sureties bear the responsibility of ensuring that the accused adhere to bail conditions and appear in court without absconding.
Financial Penalties and Property Attachments Enforced
To date, the Mangaluru City Police have imposed substantial fines on 11 sureties, with amounts ranging from ₹10,000 to over ₹1 lakh. In a more severe step, properties belonging to 17 sureties—including houses, land, and other assets—have been attached and recorded in the Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops (RTC).
While the sureties are permitted to continue residing in or using these attached properties, they are strictly prohibited from selling, transferring, or otherwise alienating them. This measure serves as a deterrent, ensuring that sureties take their role seriously and prevent accused individuals from fleeing justice.
Fake Sureties Face Legal Consequences in Separate Cases
In a related development, Commissioner Reddy disclosed that two separate cases have been registered against individuals who acted as fake sureties in serious criminal cases. This highlights the police's vigilance in identifying and prosecuting those who attempt to undermine the judicial process through fraudulent means.
1997 Dacoity-Cum-Murder Case: One Suspect Still at Large
Referring to a notorious 1997 dacoity-cum-murder case registered at Urwa police station, where two persons were killed by the infamous Dandupalya gang, Commissioner Reddy noted that one suspect remains absconding. Out of the eight individuals involved in the crime, six have been arrested.
Of the two remaining accused, Chikka Hanuma was recently apprehended in Andhra Pradesh. Chikka Hanuma has been convicted in eight cases, including three where he received the death penalty, underscoring the gravity of the offences and the importance of bringing all perpetrators to justice.
The Mangaluru City Police's proactive approach underscores their commitment to upholding law and order, ensuring that the judicial process is not circumvented by those seeking to evade accountability for serious crimes.
