Murder-for-gain accused arrested after six years on the run

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 4: The Surathkal police have successfully apprehended a prime accused in a high-profile murder-for-gain case who had been evading the law for the past six years.

The case dates back to February 8, 2014, when a resident of Kulai Hosabettu, identified as Sumathi Prabhu, was brutally murdered. According to police records, the assailants slit her throat and robbed gold ornaments weighing 192 grams (24 sovereigns), valued at approximately Rs 3,80,000. A case was subsequently registered at the Surathkal police station under various sections of the IPC, including murder and robbery.

The police had initially arrested three individuals in connection with the crime - Shivaram from Bharatpur district, Rajasthan; Bahadur Singh (also known as Bahaddura or Buyya) from Bharatpur district, Rajasthan and Shahnawaz (also known as Shanu) from Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh.

While the trial was underway in the 2nd Additional District and Sessions Court, Bahadur Singh went missing and failed to appear for court hearings for the last six years. Despite a non-bailable warrant being issued, the accused was not found at his permanent address in Rajasthan, leading the court to issue a proclamation against him.

Under the guidance of senior officials, a special team was formed comprising HC Ajith Mathew, CPC Sunil Kusanal, and CPC Mohan. Acting on specific intelligence, the team tracked the accused to Gurumaranahalli in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district.

Bahadur Singh was successfully apprehended on May 3, 2026, at 1 pm. He is being produced before the court today. The operation was supported by HC Rajendra Prasad and PC Satish.