Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 18: In a major breakthrough, the City Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested a notorious rowdy-sheeter who had been evading the law for the past nine years. The accused, Safwan Hussain (42), a resident of Haleangadi, was involved in 31 criminal cases across Mangaluru and Udupi.
Safwan Hussain has a long criminal record involving two murders, four attempts to murder, gang rape, five dacoities, kidnapping, extortion, and assaults on police officers. His crimes also include jail brawls, theft, chain snatching, and criminal conspiracy.
Life imprisonment and previous convictions
The accused was a key figure in the 2009 kidnapping, dacoity, and murder of an individual named Praveesh within the Mulki police station limits. On February 28, 2020, the Karnataka High Court sentenced him to life imprisonment in absentia for this case. Additionally, he had been sentenced to seven years of imprisonment for a 2008 dacoity case in Karkala. Due to his continued absence from court proceedings, warrants were issued against him in five other cases where he was declared a Proclaimed Offender (LPC).
Escape to foreign shores
In 2017, Safwan and his associates were allegedly involved in the brutal kidnap, assault, and murder of Lefty Safwan in Surathkal, dumping the body in Agumbe Ghat. To escape arrest, Safwan fled to Uttar Pradesh, where he adopted the alias 'Mohammed Safwan.' He managed to obtain a fake Aadhaar card and passport under this identity and fled the country in 2018.
While hiding abroad, he reportedly continued his criminal activities by extorting money from Mangaluru-based businessmen operating in foreign countries.
The arrest and further investigation
Acting on credible intelligence, the CCB police traced him to Rai Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. He was apprehended there and brought back to Mangaluru, after which he was handed over to the Mulki police for further legal proceedings.
The police are now investigating the network that helped Safwan Hussain hide, create fake documents, and obtain a fraudulent passport. Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found to have assisted or remained in contact with the fugitive during his period of absconding.