Mangaluru: A man who was widely celebrated in Dakshina Kannada as a “hero” for his ambulance service and social work is now at the centre of a major narcotics investigation, raising uncomfortable questions about how carefully public images are built and accepted. The alleged involvement of Belthangady-based ambulance driver Jalil Baba in a high-value drug trafficking case has shocked residents and exposed how an image of selfless service can sometimes conceal serious criminal activity.
For years, Jalil Baba projected himself as a social worker who rushed to help accident victims, transported patients and offered ambulance services during emergencies. His activities frequently received extensive coverage in local newspapers, television channels and social media platforms. Stories portraying him as a humanitarian earned him public appreciation, while many residents referred to him as the “Hero of Belthangady.”
However, investigators now allege that the same ambulance used to transport patients was also being used as part of a drug supply network. The startling allegations have prompted serious concern over how criminals can allegedly exploit charitable work and public goodwill as a shield to carry out illegal activities.
The case surfaced after the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) intensified its investigation into an interstate narcotics racket. On June 25, police arrested a local suspect identified as Annappa Swamy alias Manu with MDMA. During interrogation, investigators reportedly uncovered links leading to Bagalkote district.
Acting on those leads, CCB officers raided a lodge in Bagalkote on July 15 and arrested three accused. During the operation, police seized nearly five kilograms of suspected narcotic substances valued at around ₹5 crore in the illegal market. The seizure is considered one of the significant drug busts in recent months.
During questioning, investigators allegedly found that the arrested accused were supplying narcotics to Jalil Baba, who is now wanted in the case. Police sources said the information gathered during the investigation points to Jalil’s alleged role as a local distributor.
Soon after the arrests in Bagalkote, Jalil Baba reportedly went missing. His mobile phone has remained switched off for several days, and police believe he has absconded to evade arrest. Multiple teams have been formed to trace him, while investigators are examining his movements, financial transactions and communication records.
Police have also informed the Mangaluru court that the prime accused remains absconding and that efforts to secure his arrest are continuing.
The investigation has sparked wider debate because Jalil Baba’s public image stood in sharp contrast to the allegations now levelled against him. Residents say he regularly participated in community activities, responded during emergencies and frequently appeared in media reports highlighting his humanitarian work.
Investigators suspect that operating an ambulance may have provided practical advantages. Emergency vehicles generally attract less suspicion during movement, particularly when travelling across districts at odd hours. Police are examining whether the ambulance was repeatedly used to transport narcotics while appearing to be engaged in legitimate medical service.
Officials are also probing whether other members of the alleged network assisted in storing, transporting or distributing the contraband across Karnataka.
Law enforcement agencies are analysing digital evidence, mobile phone records, financial transactions and the movements of all suspects arrested in the case. Further arrests are likely as investigators continue to identify additional links in the alleged network.
As police continue their search for the absconding accused, the case has left the people of Belthangady stunned. A man once hailed as a symbol of compassion and service now faces allegations of being part of a multi-crore narcotics racket—an investigation that has transformed a celebrated public image into one of the region’s most sensational criminal probes.
