KCOCA invoked against six accused in Udupi bus owner murder case

Udupi: The Udupi district police have invoked Section 3 of the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) against six accused, including a prime accused who is absconding abroad, in connection with the brutal murder of AKMS bus owner Saifuddin near Nagabana in Kodavoor village under the Malpe police station limits.

Addressing the media, Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said the murder was the outcome of a premeditated conspiracy linked to business rivalry. The incident occurred on September 27, 2025.

According to the police, on the morning of the crime, Mohammed Faizal Khan visited Saifuddin’s residence near Coin Circle in Manipal and persuaded him to travel to Mangaluru, claiming they needed to discuss a bus-related business matter. Around 10 am, Saifuddin left his house in a car along with Faizal Khan.

Investigations revealed that Faizal Khan, along with Mohammed Sharif and other associates, diverted Saifuddin to Malpe. Between 10.15 am and 11.30 am, the accused allegedly took Saifuddin to a house identified as ‘H.A. Manzil’ near Nagabana in Kodavoor village, where they attacked him with machetes. Saifuddin sustained fatal injuries to his head and back and died on the spot.

After committing the murder, the accused fled the scene in the same car. Based on the complaint, Malpe police registered Crime No. 108/2025 under Sections 103 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

During the course of investigation, police arrested Mohammed Faizal Khan (27), Mohammed Sharif (37), Abdul Shukur (43) and the fourth accused Ridha Shabana (27). Another accused, Mohammed Siyan (31), who allegedly supplied weapons used in the crime, was arrested on December 15, 2025. One more key accused remains absconding and is believed to be hiding abroad.

The SP said a detailed verification of the criminal antecedents of the accused revealed that each of them had been involved in more than two criminal cases over the past ten years. The pattern of offences indicated organised criminal activity and repeated involvement in heinous crimes.

“In view of their criminal background and the organised nature of the murder, the provisions of the KCOCA have been applied against the accused in the bus owner murder case,” SP Hariram Shankar stated.

Following the invocation of KCOCA, the case has been transferred to the KCOCA Special Court in Mysuru. The investigating agency has also obtained permission to extend the period of investigation from 90 days to 180 days, citing the complexity of the case and the involvement of multiple accused, including one absconding overseas.

Police officials said further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accused and to establish the wider criminal network involved in the case.

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