Five arrested in loan shark kingpin murder case in Karwar

Karwar : Zameer Ahmed Durgawale, an alleged kingpin of an illegal high-interest lending racket, was murdered in a case that has now seen a major breakthrough, with Mundagod police arresting five accused, including the prime suspect. The arrests were made during an operation in Nelamangala in Bengaluru Rural district.

The arrested have been identified as Manjunath Nagendra Kajagar (35), Shrikant Kirannavar (22), Mallikarjun Badashetti (22), Manjunath Vishnu Belagavi (20), and Deepak Nagaraj Navale (22). Police have also seized two country-made pistols from their possession, indicating the premeditated nature of the crime.

According to preliminary investigation, the motive behind the murder traces back to long-standing rivalry in the illegal “meter interest” lending business. The prime accused, Manjunath Kajagar, a resident of Mundagod and previously linked to a murder case four years ago, was actively involved in loan sharking. Zameer Durgawale had reportedly become an obstacle to Kajagar’s operations.

Police said that Zameer had allegedly drawn several associates away from Kajagar’s network, intensifying tensions between the two. Frustrated and angered by this, Kajagar is believed to have plotted revenge. Reports suggest that due to alleged harassment by Zameer, Kajagar had earlier left Mundagod and shifted base to Hubballi.

Investigators further revealed that Kajagar hired contract killers from Hubballi to execute the murder. Zameer Durgawale had filed cheque bounce cases against more than 300 individuals and was reportedly earning huge sums through the illegal lending network. Police believe Kajagar could not tolerate Zameer’s growing financial dominance, which ultimately led to the conspiracy.

Mundagod police confirmed that illegal money lending activities appear to be the primary cause behind the murder. The case also highlights the growing menace of loan sharking in the region, which has reportedly forced several victims to flee their hometowns due to harassment and financial pressure.

Earlier, taking cognisance of media reports, then Superintendent of Police M Narayana had cracked down on Zameer Durgawale and issued a stern warning after his arrest. Though the activities had temporarily subsided, sources indicate that the racket resumed after Narayana’s transfer.

Police sources added that Zameer had amassed crores of rupees through the illegal business, often targeting vulnerable individuals. His aggressive recovery methods had drawn widespread complaints.

Further investigation is underway to identify additional conspirators and unravel the full extent of the network. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against illegal lending rackets and ensuring justice in the case.