Mangaluru (Karnataka), Apr 19 (PTI): Three persons who were part of a protest against Waqf Amendment Act organised on Saturday were booked for allegedly disrupting traffic and obstructing emergency services along NH 75 near Adyar here, police said.

The protest organised by Ulema Coordination Committee Karnataka was held at Shah Garden.

According to the Mangaluru City Police, while the event began peacefully under tight security arrangements, a section of protesters later moved towards the national highway and blocked traffic around 4.30 pm.

"Despite repeated instructions to maintain order and avoid disruption, some individuals entered the highway, obstructing the free movement of vehicles, including emergency services," police officials stated.

Efforts were made to disperse the crowd, but some protesters ignored the warnings and engaged in unlawful activities, police alleged.

Based on visual evidence and initial analysis of video footage, three individuals have been identified as the key accused—Jaleel, a resident of Krishnapura; Fazal from Valachil; and Mohammed Hanif Noufal, a senior police officer, said.

A case has been registered at the Kankanady Town Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to obstruction of public servants, unlawful assembly, endangering public safety, and interference with government functioning, the officer said.

Police said more individuals are likely to be identified once a detailed examination of video recordings from the scene is completed.

"The investigation is ongoing, and strict legal action will be taken against all those found involved," the Mangaluru City Police said in a statement.

The protest had drawn participants from across coastal Karnataka and was closely monitored by law enforcement agencies to prevent any breach of peace or disruption to daily life.

Volunteers deployed by the organisers were initially seen assisting the police in crowd management before the situation took a turn.

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Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.

Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.

The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.

However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.

Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.

The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.

Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.

Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.

SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.