Udupi: In a case involving cattle theft and threat, police have arrested three accused and invoked the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) after investigations revealed that the crime was carried out in an organised manner.According to police, on Sept 29, last year, around 2.15am, the accused trespassed into the cattle shed of complainant Jayashree Poojary at Hadiyangadi in Shirlalu village of Karkala taluk. When the complainant woke up and confronted them, the accused threatened her with a sword. They then cut the ropes of three cattle, loaded them into a vehicle, and took them away, later slaughtering them. The total value of the stolen cattle is estimated at Rs 35,000. A case was registered at Ajekar police station under Sections 329(3), 329(4), 309, 324(4) read with 3(5) of the BNS, Sections 3 and 25 of the Indian Arms Act, and Section 11(1)(D) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Following an investigation by the Karkala circle police inspector, the accused were identified as Mohammed Yunis, 31, from Karkala, Mohammed Iqbal alias Ikku, 29, and Nasir alias Mohammed Nasir, 28, from Moodubidire. They were arrested and produced before the court, and were later released on bail. Further investigation revealed that the accused committed the offence as part of an organised group. Consequently, the KCOCA Act was invoked against them. Their bail was subsequently cancelled, and the accused Mohammed Yunis, Nasir alias Mohammed Nasir, and a fourth accused, Shoukat Ali, 36, also from Moodubidire, were arrested again and produced before the court. They are currently in judicial custody.
