Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Dec 11: Relating to the attempt to murder Maripalla Haneef alias Mada Haneef, a rowdy-sheeter, the personnel of rural police station here, on Thursday December 10, seized a Maruti Alto car and a sword having blood stains. The car in question was found abandoned near Ganadapadpu near B C Road with the sword inside it.

The police, in their investigation, have come to the conclusion that five young men were involved with this attack. The said Alto car, which was hired one, was found parked near a garage at Ganadapadpu. It is thought that the gang, after attacking Haneef at Maripalla, reached B C Road in the car before escaping.

The locals, who found it strange that the car had neither been taken away nor approached by anyone till evening, sounded the policemen. With the recovery of blood-stained sword inside this car, the police pesonnel concluded that this was the vehicle used by attackers. After pooling information about the car, the policemen are now after the car owner.

Police protection has been provided at the hospital premises where Haneef is undergoing treatment. Police officials believe that the murderous assault on Haneef would have been an act of vengeance relating to the murder of auto rickshaw driver, Muhammed Rifai, sometime back at Faringipet.

Bantwal assistant superintendent of police, Rahul Kumar, circle inspector, K U Belliappa, and station house officer, Rakshit Gowda, have been undertaking investigation in the case under the guidance of Dakshina Kannada superintendent of police, Dr Sharanappa.

The investigation has gained some momentum with the recovery of the orphaned car. The initial indications are that the attack was connected with personal enmity, gang war dispute, and long-pending misunderstandings.