A long-standing property dispute in Mysuru escalated into a violent conspiracy when a man allegedly hired contract killers to murder his nephew, offering a supari of Rs 37 lakh. The accused, identified as 'Timber' Raju (57), along with seven others, including notorious criminal Habeeb Pasha, have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.
Police Crackdown and Arrests
Superintendent of Police Mallikarjuna Baladandi stated that the Periyapatna police successfully cracked the conspiracy and attempt-to-murder case. The plot targeted Raju's nephew, Praveen Kumar. Baladandi confirmed that the accused are in police custody, and authorities are considering invoking the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) and the Goonda Act against repeat offenders involved in heinous crimes.
Habeeb Pasha's Criminal Background
Habeeb Pasha, a key figure in the conspiracy, faces 12 serious cases, including six murder cases and four attempted murder cases. One of these cases is linked to an attack on MLA Tanveer Sait in 2019. Despite his criminal record, Pasha was out on bail in all 12 cases and had previously been exiled from Mysuru.
The Conspiracy Unfolds
According to police, Raju had been plotting to eliminate his nephew for over a year. An initial attempt was made in 2023, where Praveen was knocked off a moving motorcycle. At the time, police registered it as a road accident. In April 2025, Raju allegedly offered a supari of Rs 7 lakh to a man named Safi from Dakshina Kannada to kill Praveen.
Second Attempt and Arrests
A second plan involved Raju offering Rs 30 lakh to Mir Hussain alias Sultan, who then enlisted Pasha and others. The attempt occurred on April 13, 2025, when Praveen was traveling on a motorcycle. Assailants attacked him with lethal weapons but fled when another vehicle approached, preventing the murder. All accused have been booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, and criminal conspiracy.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are exploring further legal actions against the accused.
