SEETHANGOLI, KASARAGOD – In a major breakthrough, Kasaragod District Police have apprehended a notorious gang leader wanted in connection with a brazen attempted murder case that shook the border town of Seethangoli earlier this month. The accused, identified as Rafiq, also known by his underworld alias ‘Kaliya’ Rafiq, was captured in a dramatic pre-dawn raid on a secluded hideout near the Kerala-Karnataka border.
The Brutal Attack That Sparked a Manhunt
The arrest is the culmination of a relentless, multi-week manhunt following the brutal daylight attack on a local businessman. According to police sources, the victim was ambushed in a busy market area by a group of men armed with sharp weapons, allegedly acting on Rafiq’s orders. The attack was a chilling display of audacity intended to terrorize the community. The victim sustained grievous injuries and is still recovering in a Mangaluru hospital.
Who is ‘Kaliya’ Rafiq?
‘Kaliya’ Rafiq, a name long associated with fear and intimidation in the region, is the alleged kingpin of a criminal syndicate involved in a slew of illegal activities. Senior police officials confirmed his rap sheet includes charges of:
* Extortion (known locally as ‘hafta vasooli’)
* Smuggling
* Assault
* Land grabbing
For months, he had successfully eluded police dragnets, continuing to operate his network from the shadows. The arrest of the gang leader held for attempted murder in Seethangoli marks a significant victory for local law enforcement.
Inside the Intelligence-Led Police Operation
The operation to capture Rafiq was a textbook example of intelligence-led policing. A special team, formed under the direct supervision of the District Police Chief, had been meticulously tracking his movements. After receiving a credible tip-off about his location in a remote farmhouse nestled amidst areca nut plantations, the team moved in swiftly under the cover of darkness, ensuring he had no chance to escape.
“This arrest is a significant blow to the organised crime syndicates operating in this district,” a senior police official told NextMinuteNews. “His capture sends a clear message: there is zero tolerance for such goondaism. We will hunt you down, no matter where you hide.”
Community Breathes a Sigh of Relief
The news of the arrest has been met with a palpable sense of relief in Seethangoli and surrounding areas. For years, residents and traders have lived under the shadow of Rafiq’s gang, often too frightened to report extortion threats.
“We can finally breathe a little easier,” said one local shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous. “This man was a menace. We are grateful to the police for their tireless efforts.”
Investigation to Intensify, Network to be Dismantled
With the kingpin now in custody, the investigation is expected to intensify. Police will seek his custody for extensive interrogation to uncover the full extent of his network, identify his accomplices, and connect him to other unsolved cases. The focus now shifts from capturing the leader to dismantling his entire criminal enterprise.
The capture of ‘Kaliya’ Rafiq is a crucial step towards restoring a sense of safety and security for the people of Kasaragod.
