Udupi: 1 VHP leader, 3 Bajrang Dal activists held after suspicious death of cattle trader

Udupi, Jun 2: Superintendent of police Laxman Nimbargi has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the recent attack on cattle transporters, after which one of the transporter’s body was found under suspicious circumstances at Perdoor in Udupi earlier this week.

The arrested are Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Suresh Mendan alias Soori, and three Bajrang Dal activists Prasad Kondadi, Umesh Shetty and Rathan.

The vehicle in which Husainabba (65), a resident of Jokatte village in Mangaluru, and others were transporting cattle on May 29 was intercepted by Bajrang Dal activists and police. However, the police did not catch them as they reportedly fled. According to family members of the victim, the transporters were chased by Bajrang Dal activists. Hours later, Husainabba was found dead.

In their complaint to police, the family members of Husainabba had accused the Bajrang Dal activists of murdering him.

After the incident, Udupi’s VHP leader Suresh Mendan and his associates, Prasad and Deepak Shetty were hiding in Ballari. They were taken into custody Ballari police yesterday and handed over to Udupi police. Among them the first Suresh and Prasad are reportedly involved in the case. Meanwhile, Udupi police managed to nab Umesh and Ratan.

However, the SP clarified that they are not yet sure where Husainabba’s death was natural or he was murdered. “We have arrested four persons on charge of thrashing cattle transporters and damaging their vehicle and not on murder charge. We are waiting for the post-mortem report,” he said.