Updated
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Aug 2: At last, the police are successful in cracking the Mohammed Fazil murder case that took place at Suratkal last week, which made a huge sensation in coastal Karnataka. Six accused were arrested on Tuesday August 2.
The arrested are identified as Suhas (29), Mohan (26), Giridhar (23), Abhishek (23), Deekshith (21) and Srinivas (26).
Fazil was hacked to death on the night of July 28 at Suratkal. Police arrested more than 50 people and interrogated in this connection.
The six accused
Ajith Crasta
Giving information on the case, city police commissioner Shashikumar said, ““Fazil hailing from Mangalapete was murdered at Surathkal on July 28. He was working part-time as a cleaner for a HPCL bullet tanker. The assailants came in a car and stabbed him to death.
“On July 26, accused Suhas Shetty hailing from Bajpe, had a discussion with Abhishek to kill someone as they had identified 6 to 7 targets. Suhas, Abhishek and Giridhar had a discussion in a hotel about needing a car and weapons to kill. Mohan then called two of his friends to join the plan.
“On July 27, they got a car from Ajith Crasta. Ajith was assured of Rs 15,000 in three days if their plan was successful.
“On the same day, Suhas halted in Kavoor at his friend’s residence. On July 28, Suhas left early in the morning with weapons to Bantwal's Karinjeshwar temple, while three other accused had to appear in the court. They had a discussion near the court where Fazil’s name was finalised as the target. Mohan had bought the car from Ajith.
“The accused then proceeded to a canteen in Surathkal and had discussion there. At a bar in Kinnigoli, they had lunch. Two of them were closely monitoring Fazil’s movements.
“The accused located Fazil at Surathkal at the time of the crime. Suhas, Mohan and Abhishek were the assailants, Giridhar was driving the car, Deekshith was seated in the car, while Srinivas tried to protect the accused from the public during the murder.
“The six accused then escaped towards Palimar. They abandoned the car and escaped in another car to a hide-out.
“They were arrested on Tuesday morning at Udyavar. The accused will be produced to the court and 14-day police custody will be sought.
“Suhas has 4 cases, Mohan has 2 cases, Giridhar has 2 cases, Abhishek has 2 cases, Srinivas has 4 cases, and Deekshith has 3 cases registered against their names. Suhas, Abhishek and Mohan are rowdy sheeters.
“After 14 days’ police custody, we will find out the reason behind murder and why Fazil was targeted.
“We had formed 7 to 8 teams to trace the culprits.
“The Eon car used for the murder was traced at Padubidri and the owner of the car Ajith Crasta (34) was detained. We got inputs from Ajith. He had some information about the planned crime,” he said.
The police commissioner also said that some rowdy sheeters were claiming responsibility for the murder. “We will interrogate them as well. There was no love affair, any internal conflict behind the murder and also any mistaken identity,” he said.
He further said, “We urge the public to cooperate as restrictions are imposed to maintain law and order. We have no intention to disturb the public.
“We have also noticed half baked stories on the social media which led to confusion. We are keeping a close watch on it. So far 17 cases have been filed over objectionable posts.
“Section 144 is imposed which is applicable till August 5. Unnecessary movement is restricted from 6 pm to 6 am. Shops will be closed. Liquor is also prohibited during this period,” he said.
Earlier report
Mangaluru: Mohammed Fazil murder case – Car owner gives vital clue
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Aug 2: Investigation into the Mohammed Fazil murder that took place in Suratkal on July 28 has picked pace. Ajit Crasta, owner of the car which was used by the assailants, has given breakthrough clues to the police.
There is also a possibility of arresting four to six people who were directly involved in the murder very soon. But the police have not disclosed any official information in this regard. More than 51 people have been interrogated so far.
Mohammed Fazil
Ajit Crasta, who was taken into custody on Saturday, is subjected to intense interrogation as he is in five days of police custody. CCB and Suratkal police have subjected Crasta to intense inquiry.
Information is also available that DGP Praveen Sood, who visited the city on Monday, has expressed satisfaction on the progress of the investigation.