Mangalore: Gang war - missing youth found murdered, accused absconding

Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Feb 19: The body of a youth, who went missing four days ago under suspicious circumstances, was found on the sea shore at Meenakali, Baikampady here.

The deceased has been identified as Sandeep Poojary (28), a resident of Idya, Suratkal.

It is suspected that he was murdered, as the body was found in a sack, with hands and legs tied. The body was in a decomposed state.

Sources said that he along with five others went missing on February 15. A complaint was filed by Sandeep's father in the Suratkal police station in this regard.

It is now surmised that he might have been killed by the five others who are still missing.

The incident came to light when the locals found a sack which was emanating foul odour. They informed the police, who arrived at the spot and on opening the sack found the body. The locals identified the body as that of Sandeep.

Based on prima facie evidence, police suspect that it is a case of murder, and that Sandeep's close friends had a hand in it. In addition, a close relative of his is among the five missing.

Sandeep had several cases like assault and attempt to murder filed against him. It is said that he had formed a gang of his own, however, last week, differences arose between the gang members. Subsequently, Sandeep and his relative Manoj got into a brawl at Idya seashore on February 15 night. Manoj and his friends reportedly thrashed Sandeep.

Locals said that Sandeep, in a fit of rage, threatened to kill Manoj and brought a sword from his house. Their fight continued late into the night, it is said.

Since then, all six of them have been missing, with Sandeep's body being found on February 19. It is suspected that he was killed by his gang members and his body bundled into a sack and thrown into the sea.

Suratkal police have registered a case of murder.