The accused has been identified as Shamsuddin (36), who is wanted in connection with a kidnapping and murder case dating back to 2008.

Police said the move is aimed at securing international cooperation to locate and bring the accused back to India to face the sentence imposed by a court.

According to police records, Shamsuddin—also known by aliases Altaf, Altaf Imran, and Imran—was involved in the abduction and killing of a man named Praveen near Pavanje in Mulki along the national highway in 2008.

Investigators revealed that the accused, along with his associates, kidnapped the victim and robbed him of his car and valuables. The group then transported him to a quarry near Kalavaru, where they allegedly drowned him in water, resulting in his death.

The case had shocked the region due to the brutality of the crime and the calculated manner in which it was carried out.

Following investigation and trial, all accused in the case, including Shamsuddin, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. The conviction was seen as a significant step in delivering justice to the victim's family.

However, authorities later discovered that Shamsuddin had managed to evade law enforcement, raising serious concerns about the use of forged documents and identity manipulation by criminals.

Police said Shamsuddin escaped by procuring fake documents and assuming a new identity as Sheikh Mohammed Siddique. Using these forged credentials, he successfully obtained a passport and fled the country.

Officials noted that such methods highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tracking fugitives who exploit documentation loopholes to escape international borders.

Based on intelligence inputs, police suspect that the accused is currently residing in Saudi Arabia. The issuance of a Red Corner Notice through Interpol is expected to aid in locating him and initiating extradition proceedings.

A Red Corner Notice is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition. It is one of the most powerful tools available for international police cooperation.

The Mangaluru police have initiated steps to coordinate with national and international agencies to trace the accused. Once located, legal procedures will be undertaken to bring him back to India.

Officials emphasised that bringing absconding convicts to justice remains a priority, particularly in serious cases involving violent crimes. The use of global policing mechanisms like Interpol reflects the increasing coordination between countries in tackling cross-border criminal activity.

The issuance of a Red Corner Notice against Shamsuddin marks a crucial development in a long-pending case. As efforts intensify to track and extradite the accused, authorities hope to ensure that justice is fully served. The case also underscores the need for stricter verification systems to prevent misuse of identity documents and passports.