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.
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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
