Bengaluru: In a breakthrough, the Uttara Kannada district police have successfully apprehended Mauseen alias Imtiaz Shukur (35), the notorious A-16 accused involved in the infamous KG Halli DG Halli riots
The arrest marks a significant achievement in counter-terrorism efforts and criminal investigations in the region. The accused, who has been on the run for the past five years, is also known to be an active member of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) organisation and had close links to the main accused in the Praveen Nettaru murder case in Dakshina Kannada.
Mauseen, aged 35, hails from Tippu Nagar in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada district. Many locals knew him as a modest individual who used to sell small bike spare parts and chocolates in Sirsi years ago. Later, he made a living by preparing egg rice in Belgavi. Despite his seemingly normal appearance, he was secretly involved in several heinous activities linked to terrorist conspiracies and communal violence.
He was the Sirsi taluk president of PFI, an organisation that was banned across India for its involvement in radical activities. Investigations reveal that he was involved in the murder of Aslam, registered at Sirsi Market Police Station under section 302, and the attempted murder of Anees Tahsildar under section 307. Although he had obtained anticipatory bail, he managed to escape before police could arrest him.
Operation and Capture
The Uttara Kannada district police, under the leadership of Superintendent of Police M. Narayan, mounted a meticulous operation to track down the elusive criminal. A specialised team comprising Deputy Superintendent of Police KL Ganesh, inspectors, and police sub-inspectors was formed. The team tracked him to Sindhagi in Vijayapura (Bijapur) district, where he was found strolling with his family. The police apprehended him there, registering a case against him for attempting to evade court warrants and proclamation notices.
Intelligence and Connections
Sources from the Central Intelligence Agency and national agencies have indicated that despite the ban on PFI, the organisation continues to operate clandestinely through covert networks. Mauseen was reportedly organising and coordinating activities in secret. He maintained close ties with Masood Angadi, the main accused in Praveen Nettaru’s murder case. Moreover, he was alleged to have facilitated the recruitment of individuals like Sadiq, who was previously arrested by the NIA on terror-related charges in Sirsi. Intelligence reports also suggest that Mauseen had traveled to Pakistan multiple times—approximately four to five visits—heightening concerns about his involvement in cross-border terrorist activities.
Family Concealment and Interrogation
Despite his known involvement in terrorism, murder, and conspiracy, Mauseen’s family reportedly concealed his activities, providing him protection. When agencies like the NIA, IB, and other intelligence units visited his residence for questioning, the family members—his mother Rihana, and brothers Abdul Shukur, Abdul Razak, Ijaz Shukur, and Mohammed Sohail Karim Saab—refused to divulge information. A case was registered against his family members, and nearly 29 relatives were interrogated for their possible involvement or knowledge.
Following his arrest, Mauseen was produced before the Sirsi JMFC Court. The 1st Additional District and Sessions Court of Sirsi has ordered 14 days of judicial custody for the accused. Authorities are also preparing to obtain warrants for other pending cases against him, and the NIA and IB are coordinating to take him into custody for further interrogation.
Catch lauded by ADGPs
The arrest has been widely lauded by senior officials. The IGP, ADGP, and other top brass have appreciated the efforts of the Uttara Kannada district police, highlighting the significance of this operation in maintaining law and order and counter-terrorism. The police are now preparing to interrogate Mauseen further, exchanging valuable intelligence that could unravel deeper conspiracy networks.
The capture of Mauseen alias Imtiaz Shukur marks a critical victory in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime in Karnataka and the wider region. His long-standing absconding status and involvement in high-profile cases underscore the persistent threat posed by banned organizations like PFI. With his arrest, authorities aim to dismantle the clandestine networks and prevent future acts of violence, reinforcing their commitment to national security and communal harmony.
KG Halli DG Halli riots 2020
On the night of 11 August and the early hours of August 12, 2020, violent clashes erupted around the residence of a legislator and the police stations of KG Halli and DJ Halli in Bangalore, Karnataka. The violence was triggered by a protest against a Facebook post on Prophet Muhammad, which was allegedly shared by the nephew of Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, a member of the Indian National Congress.
The post quickly went viral in the area, prompting people to gather outside the legislator’s residence in Kaval Byrasandra to protest and demand the arrest of the accused. In response, police dispatched two teams from the DJ Halli police station to detain the nephew.
A mob of Muslims gathered in protest outside Murthy’s house, which later turned violent. The clashes involved confrontations between the police and the protesters, leading to a curfew being imposed in the affected areas. During the violence, three people lost their lives after police opened fire to control the crowd. Additionally, 30 to 80 police personnel and several journalists were injured by armed assailants. Murthy’s property was also set on fire during the disturbances.
In the aftermath, over 300 individuals were arrested by the police. Some reports suggest that members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) led some of the crowds, and a few of its leaders were subsequently detained in connection with the incident.
The investigation by city police revealed most of the accused were members of banned PFI
Members and have alleged links with banned out fits. The then BJP government headed by former chief minister Basavaraja Bommai handed over the case to NIA. The NIA filed charge sheet against 247 persons and most of the accused were released on bail. At present around 36 accused were in Parappana Agrahara central jail.
