Notorious Gang-Rape Accused Apprehended After Nearly a Decade on the Run
In a significant breakthrough, the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) police have successfully arrested a notorious rowdy-sheeter and key accused in the infamous 2013 Deralakatte gang-rape case. The individual had been absconding for nearly nine years, evading law enforcement through elaborate deception and international flight.
Elusive Criminal with Multiple Identities Captured
The arrest was executed by a dedicated CCB team under the leadership of DCP (Law and Order) Mithun HN. The accused has been identified as Safwan Hussain, who operated under numerous aliases including Hussain, Subhash, Rajik, and Naseer. A 42-year-old resident of Haleangady in Mangaluru, Hussain's criminal history is extensive and alarming.
City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH revealed to reporters on Wednesday that Safwan Hussain has been implicated in a staggering 31 criminal cases. His alleged offenses span multiple jurisdictions including Mangaluru city, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada, encompassing grave crimes such as two murders, four attempted murders, gang rape, dacoity, kidnapping, extortion, threats, assaults on police personnel, attacks on jail inmates, robbery, and obstruction of official duties.
Lengthy Criminal History and Previous Convictions
The police commissioner detailed that Hussain was previously convicted in several high-profile cases. He was an accused in the 2008 kidnap and murder case of car driver Praveen, registered at Mulki police station. For this crime, the High Court sentenced him to life imprisonment on February 28, 2020. Additionally, in a separate dacoity case registered in Karkala, he received a three-year prison sentence.
Currently, about 13 cases against him are at the trial stage, while courts have issued arrest warrants in several others. Five cases have been declared long-pending cases (LPC). Hussain is also accused in the 2017 murder of Lefty Safwan, following which he went into hiding. In that gruesome incident, the victim was kidnapped, assaulted, murdered, and his body discarded in the Agumbe Ghat.
International Escape and Fake Identity Uncovered
After evading initial arrest, Safwan Hussain fled to Andhra Pradesh, where he assumed a false identity under the name Ummar Mohammed Nasir, utilizing a counterfeit Aadhaar card. He subsequently obtained a passport under this fabricated identity and has been living abroad since 2018. During his residence in Saudi Arabia, he allegedly engaged in extortion activities, threatening Muslim businessmen and other individuals from Mangaluru.
To sustain himself overseas, Hussain performed odd jobs and even worked as a driver. Despite his international residence, he occasionally returned to India, demonstrating boldness and continued criminal connections.
Coordinated Operation Leads to Arrest
Acting on credible intelligence, the CCB team meticulously traced Hussain to Rayachoti in Andhra Pradesh and apprehended him on Tuesday. Commissioner Reddy emphasized that Hussain is a key accused in the Deralakatte gang-rape case. His prolonged absence had allowed the trial against other accused persons to reach its final stages. With his capture, legal proceedings against him will now recommence.
Police investigations indicate that Safwan Hussain was associated with the notorious Target gang and was linked to an attempt to murder case involving Target Iliyas. The arrest comes amid recent tensions where some youths posted provocative messages on social media, leading to police cases and three arrests.
Legal Proceedings and Accountability for Accomplices
Hussain will be handed over to Mulki police for further legal action. Commissioner Reddy stated unequivocally that authorities will also initiate action against individuals who assisted Hussain in his evasion. This includes those who helped him create fake identity documents, obtain a passport, and maintain contact during his fugitive status.
The arrest marks a crucial victory for law enforcement, demonstrating persistent investigative efforts over nearly a decade to bring a dangerous criminal to justice and ensure closure for victims in multiple cases, particularly the haunting 2013 Deralakatte gang-rape.
