In a significant development, the Bengaluru police have decided to invoke the stringent Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) against eleven accused individuals in connection with the murder of Syed Shabbir, a 29-year-old habitual offender who was brutally hacked to death earlier this month. This move underscores the police's determination to tackle organised criminal activities with enhanced legal measures.
Details of the Murder Case
The victim, Syed Shabbir, a resident of Hosarod and the son of a retired police officer, was allegedly attacked and killed by a gang on January 12 within the jurisdiction of the Bandepalya police station. According to police reports, the murder was the culmination of a long-standing dispute involving extortion and a civil property issue. Shabbir was accused of exerting dominance in the area, collecting 'hafta' or protection money from various traders, including scrap dealers, and targeting a property belonging to the sister of one of the accused, Sunny.
Organised Nature of the Crime
Investigations revealed that the crime was meticulously planned over a week at a garage. On the day of the incident, the accused allegedly threw chilli powder into Shabbir's eyes before hacking him to death. Following the murder, they fled the scene in an autorickshaw to K R Puram, abandoned their weapons at another location, and escaped by train to multiple states, including Mumbai, Rajasthan, and Hyderabad. Special police teams successfully tracked down and arrested all eleven accused across various states in the subsequent days.
Why KCOCA is Being Invoked
The decision to invoke KCOCA stems from the organised nature of the crime and the criminal backgrounds of the gangs involved. M Narayan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Electronic City, stated that the killing resulted from repeated threats and coercion by Shabbir, which led to growing resentment among the accused. Under KCOCA, the police can hold arrested individuals in custody for up to 30 days and in judicial custody for up to 180 days before filing a chargesheet, compared to conventional crimes where police custody is limited to 15 days and judicial custody to 90 days.
Legal Implications and Further Investigation
This invocation of KCOCA highlights the act's stringent provisions, which are designed to combat organised crime more effectively. A senior police officer indicated that further investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are likely as the case unfolds. The use of KCOCA in this high-profile murder case brings renewed attention to Karnataka's efforts to curb organised criminal activities through robust legal frameworks.
The Bengaluru police's action serves as a stern warning against organised crime syndicates, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining law and order. As the investigation progresses, authorities are focused on ensuring justice for the victim and deterring similar crimes in the future.
