Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 9: Riaz (26) from Periyatadka, and Kalia Rafique (38), who escaped from the hands of their Karnataka police escorts while waiting for a Kasargod-bound bus in the KSRTC bus stand here, were well-versed with escape plans, it has been found. Riaz was later arrested from near Naykapu near Kumble, after the Scorpio vehicle he and his fellow under-trial, Rafique, were travelling, hit an auto rickshaw there. Rafique still is at large.

Riaz faces over 50 cases of thefts in Kerala. He had fled from Kannur central jail on June 13, 2010. He was later arrested, and shifted to Veeyur central jail. Rafique and Riaz were produced in a Chikmagalur court relating to the murder of Hamid from Uppala Kaikamba in that town. While being brought back to Kasargod, they hoodwinked the policemen here, and succeeded in running away.

Rafique also faces cases of assaulting the manager of Jaimaruti Finance in Pallikaere Mathattil, and robbing 113 sovereigns of gold ornaments and Rs 19,500 in cash from there, and in a robbery from a jewellery shop in Karnataka. A team of which Rafique was member, had also allegedly robbed a bike rider of Rs 4.45 lac, after hitting his vehicle with a car.

The Scorpio vehicle they used to escape from KSRTC bus stand belonged to Abdul Rahiman from Pilichamundikallu near Guruyanakere. The vehicle, locked and parked in a compound with a locked gate, was somehow stolen from there. It is said that this vehicle was being used by the duo to escape from the policemen, to a site for committing another crime. After the vehicle hit an auto rickshaw, injured Riaz had run away, but the locals had found him nearby. He was provided first aid in Kasargod general hospital, before admitting into the ward meant for prisoners in Wenlock Hospital here.

In the above accident, Lakshman from Bantwal, his wife, Ranjini, children, Harshita and Chirashree, who were travelling in the auto rickshaw, were also injured. They are being treated in Kumble district cooperative hospital.