Bantwal murder case: KCOCA invoked against Bharath Kumdelu, others in Abdul Rahiman killing
Mangaluru: The Karnataka Police have invoked the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), 2000, against the accused in the murder of Abdul Rahiman from Kolattamajalu, Bantwal. The case, which occurred in May this year, involved multiple individuals with alleged links to organised criminal activities and communal unrest, police officials confirmed.
According to Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K, the KCOCA provisions have been applied against key accused Bharath Raj alias Bharath Kumdelu (29) of Pudu village and several others already under judicial custody. Bharath Kumdelu remains absconding, and police are actively pursuing his arrest.
The incident took place on May 27, 2025, in the Erakodi area of Kuryal village, when Abdul Rahiman (32) and Kalander Shafi were brutally attacked by a group of assailants. While Shafi sustained serious injuries, Rahiman succumbed to his wounds.
Following the murder, police arrested 13 accused, identified as Deepak, Chintan, Prithviraj Jogi, Sumit B. Acharya, V. Raviraj Moolya, Abhin Rai, Tejaksha, Ravisanjay G.S., Shivaprasad Tumbe, Pradeep, Shahith, Sachin Rottigudde, and Ranjith. All of them have been remanded to judicial custody.
The case was initially registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including:
Section 191(1) – use of force or violence by unlawful assembly,
Section 191(2) – rioting,
Section 191(3) – rioting using deadly weapons,
Section 118(1) – voluntarily causing hurt,
Section 118(2) – voluntarily causing grievous hurt,
Section 109 – attempt to murder,
Section 103 – murder, and
Section 190 – unlawful assembly.
Police stated that the accused have been involved in several serious offences over the years, including murder, attempted murder, and provocative speeches, which have allegedly incited social unrest and communal tensions in the region.
Citing the organised and recurring nature of these crimes, the authorities invoked KCOCA to facilitate a more comprehensive investigation and ensure stringent prosecution under the state’s anti-organised crime framework.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Firms being arm-twisted to divert investment from Karnataka: Priyank Kharge
New Delhi (PTI): Companies are being arm-twisted to divert their investments from Karnataka despite the state having the best talent ecosystem, state's IT, biotech and rural development minister Priyank Kharge said on Friday.
The minister said it has taken 40 years to develop the entire ecosystem in the state that suits investors.
"Why is semiconductor going to Gujarat, Assam? That's my question? That's what I have been asking. Why is it going to Gujarat? Why is it going to Assam? When PLI comes, they have to choose their state. The name is Karnataka. How does it become Gujarat by the time the application reaches Delhi? They are coming to my state. Why are they being arm-twisted to Gujarat?" Kharge said.
He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a roadshow in the national capital for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 to be held in November.
"They are coming to our state only. They want to invest in our state. It works out for them. It is profitable for them. Our human resource is one of the most agile and best in the world. But yet, they are going to be pushed to Gujarat," Kharge said.
During the event, Kharge said Karnataka is planning to rejig policy on data centres to promote sustainable data centres.
"There is a serious need for states and the central government to bring up policies for sustainable data centres. That's exactly what the government of Karnataka intends to do," Kharge said.
_vb_18.jpeg)
_vb_38.jpeg)
