Mangaluru: Youth wanted in 16 criminal cases arrested along with 2 associates

Mangaluru, Aug 24: 30-year-old Vijay, wanted in at least 16 criminal cases, has finally been arrested by the Mangaluru South Police along with two of his associates.

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner M. Chandra Sekhar told reporters on Wednesday that Vijay alias Monkey Stand Vijay was among 150 most wanted persons in the city. The other two arrested are Melrick alias Melrick D'Souza (20) and Praveen alias Chotu (23).

The all three arrested were working at a sugar factory in Raibag, Mr. Chandra Sekhar said. The police had been to Madikeri, Mysuru and other places in search of Vijay and his alleged associates. The police earlier had arrested five of his alleged associates.

The Mangaluru South Police had been looking for Vijay since May 16 after an attempt was made to murder Sandeep Shetty at Marnamikatta. Vijay had been released on bail a few days before he allegedly assaulted Sandeep Shetty with the help of his alleged associates.

Keeping a close watch on the movements of Vijay, Police Inspector Belliyappa and constables Manoj Kumar and Sunil Pereira obtained clue of Vijay's presence in Bekkeri village in Raibag taluk in Belagavi district. They went to the village and arrested the trio on Tuesday night.

Mr. Chandra Sekhar said that Vijay was involved in 16 criminal cases, including cases of murder, attempt to murder, rioting and robbery. Melrick D'Souza was involved in five cases and Chotu three cases.

He said that they will book those who gave shelter to Vijay and also those who financed his criminal activities. He commended the work of Mr. Belliyappa and constables Manoj Kumar and Sunil Pereira and announced a cash reward of Rs. 10,000 for them.