Bantwal Murder Case: KCOCA Invoked Against Hindutva Activist.

Karnataka: KCOCA invoked against Bajrangi Bharath Kumdelu, others in Abdul Rahiman killing in Bantwal.

B Upendran | HENB | Mangaluru | Oct 3, 2025:: The Karnataka Police have invoked the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), 2000, against the accused in the murder of Abdul Rahiman from Kolattamajalu, Bantwal. The case, which occurred in May this year, involved multiple individuals with alleged links to organised criminal activities and communal unrest, police officials confirmed.

According to Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K, the KCOCA provisions have been applied against key accused Bharath Raj alias Bharath Kumdelu (29) of Pudu village and several others already under judicial custody. Bharath Kumdelu remains absconding, and police are actively pursuing his arrest. Bharath Kumdelu is believed to be a hardcore Bajrang Dal leader and a desperate Hindutva activist.

The incident took place on May 27, 2025, in the Erakodi area of Kuryal village, when Abdul Rahiman (32) and Kalander Shafi were brutally attacked by a group of assailants. While Shafi sustained serious injuries, Rahiman succumbed to his wounds.

Following the murder, police arrested 13 accused, identified as Deepak, Chintan, Prithviraj Jogi, Sumit B. Acharya, V. Raviraj Moolya, Abhin Rai, Tejaksha, Ravisanjay G.S., Shivaprasad Tumbe, Pradeep, Shahith, Sachin Rottigudde, and Ranjith. All of them have been remanded to judicial custody.

The case was initially registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including: Section 191(1) – use of force or violence by unlawful assembly, Section 191(2) – rioting, Section 191(3) – rioting using deadly weapons, Section 118(1) – voluntarily causing hurt, Section 118(2) – voluntarily causing grievous hurt, Section 109 – attempt to murder, Section 103 – murder, and Section 190 – unlawful assembly.

Police stated that the accused have been involved in several serious offences over the years, including murder, attempted murder, and provocative speeches, which have allegedly incited social unrest and communal tensions in the region.

Citing the organised and recurring nature of these crimes, the authorities invoked KCOCA to facilitate a more comprehensive investigation and ensure stringent prosecution under the state’s anti-organised crime framework.

It is alleged that the Congress Government in Karnataka is running police repression against Hindutva activists in the state in a rigorous way.
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_Inputs from DH and Vartha Bharati.