Mangaluru: In a significant development in a long-pending criminal case, the third additional district and sessions court in Mangaluru has sentenced Abdul Rahman Suhail of Mukkacheri to life imprisonment for his role in the brutal murder of Zubair and the attempted murder of Ilyas.
The incident dates back to the night of October 4, 2017, when a violent attack shocked the coastal region.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in Mukkacheri, located in Ullal, when Zubair and Ilyas were engaged in a conversation late at night. A group of assailants allegedly arrived at the scene armed with deadly weapons and launched a sudden and violent assault on the two men.
Zubair was fatally attacked during the incident and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Ilyas, who attempted to intervene and save his companion, was also targeted by the attackers. He sustained severe injuries after being assaulted with a sword and required extensive medical treatment.
The shocking nature of the crime, coupled with its premeditated execution, prompted swift police action. Then inspector Gopikrishna K R led the investigation and subsequently filed a detailed charge sheet against multiple accused individuals involved in the case.
The charge sheet named Abdul Rahman Suhail as the main accused, along with several others including Nizam alias Nizamuddin, Tajuddin, Mustafa alias Mohammed Mustafa, Altaf, Asif alias Manda Asif, and Nasir alias Kadappara Nasir.
The case saw gradual progress through the judicial system, with earlier convictions recorded against some of the accused. On April 20, 2022, the court had already sentenced Nizam alias Nizamuddin, Tajuddin, and Mustafa to life imprisonment for their involvement in the crime.
However, not all accused were convicted. Asif alias Manda Asif and Nasir alias Kadappara Nasir were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence. Meanwhile, Altaf, identified as the fifth accused, had passed away during the course of the proceedings.
A notable twist in the case involved Abdul Rahman Suhail, who had initially secured bail from the court. After his release, he failed to appear for subsequent hearings and absconded, delaying the trial process significantly.
Law enforcement authorities later succeeded in tracing and rearresting him, ensuring that he was brought back under judicial custody. His apprehension marked a crucial turning point in the case, allowing the trial to proceed to its conclusion.
After examining the evidence, witness testimonies, and arguments presented by both sides, the court concluded that Abdul Rahman Suhail played a key role in the crime. Judge Sunita delivered the verdict on April 22, sentencing him to life imprisonment.
The prosecution was represented by advocate Mohan, who argued on behalf of the government and presented the case against the accused. The court found the evidence sufficient to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The sentencing of the main accused brings a measure of closure to a case that has spanned several years and involved multiple legal developments. While earlier convictions had already established accountability among some of the accused, the final verdict against Abdul Rahman Suhail completes the judicial process in this matter.
The case underscores the persistence of law enforcement and the judiciary in ensuring justice, even when delays occur due to absconding accused or prolonged trials. For the victims' families, the judgment represents a step towards justice after nearly nine years of legal proceedings.