How Rajeev Gowda was tracked and arrested at the Kerala border
Bengaluru: After evading the police for nearly two weeks, Rajeev Gowda, the prime accused in the case of threatening Sidlaghatta municipal commissioner Amrutha Gowda over the removal of a movie banner, was finally arrested on Sunday at the Kerala border.
The arrest brought an end to a 14-day manhunt that involved interstate tracking, surveillance, and crucial intelligence inputs. The case dates back to January 12, when Rajeev Gowda allegedly abused and threatened the municipal commissioner for removing banners related to the film Cult.
Following this, an FIR was registered against him on January 14 at the Sidlaghatta Town Police Station. Anticipating arrest, Rajeev Gowda went underground and remained out of reach despite multiple police teams being deployed to trace him.
As pressure mounted, political developments also tightened the noose around him. On January 24, the KPCC disciplinary committee suspended Rajeev Gowda, and around the same time, the Karnataka High Court rejected his petition seeking quashing of the FIR. With legal relief denied and arrest imminent, Rajeev allegedly sought shelter outside the district.
Investigations later revealed that Rajeev Gowda had been hiding in Mangaluru for nearly three days under the protection of a wealthy businessman. Police sources said the accused deliberately changed locations and avoided using his own phone to evade tracking.
In a bid to mislead investigators, he parked his personal car at Mangaluru Railway Station, creating the impression that he might flee by train. However, instead of boarding a train, Rajeev Gowda reportedly used the businessman’s car to escape by road.
Acting on specific intelligence that he was attempting to cross into Kerala via the Talapady route towards Kasaragod, the Sidlaghatta police intensified surveillance along the coastal and border routes.
A special team led by Sidlaghatta Circle Inspector Anand Kumar tracked the movement of the vehicle and coordinated with local units. The police team intercepted the car near the Kerala border and successfully arrested Rajeev Gowda without any resistance.
Following his arrest, Rajeev Gowda was taken into custody and is being brought back to Sidlaghatta. Police officials confirmed that he will be produced before the Chintamani court after completing preliminary formalities.
Multiple cases have been registered against Rajeev Gowda, including complaints filed by the municipal commissioner, a complaint on behalf of MLA Ravikumar, and an additional case related to a threatening letter. His arrest comes amid widespread demands across the state for strict action in the matter.
