Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 5: The Shirva police on Thursday December 4  arrested three persons, who had demanded hafta (protection money) from the owner of a bar in Belle Kattingeri. Reportedly, the three had brandished swords, forcibly entered the said bar, and tried to kill its owner.

Praveen Kulal (29) from Hiriyadka, a notorious rowdy sheeter, Harish Reddy (36), resident of Kota Manoor in Udupi taluk, and Santosh Madivala (30), from Hiriyadka Anjar, were those who were taken into custody. The police also succeeded in confiscating a car used for the crime, along with lethal weapons used by the trio.

The police got information that Praveen Kulal had called Shivaram Salian, a native of Edmeru, over phone when he was at his S S Bar and Restaurant in Belle on December 3, demanding payment of protection money amounting to five lac rupees. He then entered the bar same evening along with his two accomplices named above, and pestered Salian to part with the money. When Shivaram Salian refused to meet this demand, swords had been swing at him. Salian escaped from the attack, went to Shirva police station, and filed a complaint.

The policemen,after registering the complaint, made efforts that entire night to find the culprits, and succeeded in arresting them early morning the next day. The operation was directed by district superintendent of police(SP), Rajendra Prasad, additional SP, Santosh Kumar, and guidance of assistant superintendent of police Annamalai. Kaup police circle inspector, Sunil Nayak, led the team comprising Shirva station house officer, Ashok and others.