
MANGALURUR: Mangaluru City Police shot one of the key accused in the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha dacoity case after he assaulted a police constable and attempted to escape during evidence recovery at Ajjinadka near Ullal on the outskirts of the city.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Ullal Police Inspector Balakrishna had taken the key accused, Murugandi Thevar and Yosuva Rajendran, into police custody until 3rd February for further questioning. During custodial interrogation, Murugandi Thevar disclosed critical details about the crime’s planning and execution.
He revealed that he, along with Yosuva Rajendran and a local associate, Shashi Thevar, had met in November 2024 at Ajjinadka, near the bank within Ullal Police Station limits. At this meeting, Shashi Thevar brought a firearm and provided key details about security lapses, which helped in planning the robbery. Murugandi further stated that Shashi Thevar had hidden the weapon at the spot.
"Based on this input, a police team consisting of the Ullal Police Inspector, one Sub-Inspector, and two Constables proceeded to Ajjinadka on Saturday along with Murugandi Thevar for evidence recovery and panchanama. While reaching the spot, accused Murugandi Thevar suddenly assaulted Constable Manjunath, who was holding his restraint chain." said Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal.
"He hit him on his private parts and attempted to strangulate him with the leading chain in an attempt to flee from the spot. In response, the Ullal Inspector first fired a warning shot into the air. However, as Murugandi Thevar continued to flee despite the warning, a second round was fired below his knee," he said.
Following the incident, both Constable Manjunath and accused Murugandi Thevar were immediately taken to Yenepoya Hospital for medical treatment. Both are currently out of danger and receiving necessary care.
A separate case has been registered regarding the incident, and further investigation is underway.