Bannanje Raja's aides sentenced to five years jail

Mangaluru: Sixth additional district and sessions court judge Sayeedunnisa on Monday, September 23 sentenced three persons, said to be aides of underworld don Bannanje Raja to a five-year jail term and fine of Rs 50,000 each.

The convicted – Manish Kumar alias Neeraj Srivatsav alias Rahul (33) from Uttar Pradesh, Ali Hussain alias Hussain Ali alias Ravi (30) from Banaras district and Puttaswamy M B (52), resident of Mysuru were found guilty of illegal possession of arms.

The trio were accused of threatening people who refused to pay ‘hafta’ to Bannanje Raja and were involved in the Udupi Airody Jewellers shootout case as well as firing at the car belonging to real estate businessman, Suresh Bhandary near Kadri Park here.

The trio along with four other of their accomplices namely Devadas Shetty and Vinod Kulal from Mangaluru, Amit Kumar Chourasia from Uttar Pradesh and Abdul Rahej Khan – were arrested from a building at Kottara Chowki during a raid conducted by Bunder police station circle inspector and the then head of Anti Rowdy Squad, Vinay A Gaonkar and other police personnel.

Manish was found in possession of a revolver and a round of live ammunition, Ali Hussain had one pistol and five live bullets, while Puttaswamy was found having one pistol and five live bullets.

Then Kavoor police circle inspector, H R Siddappa conducted further investigations in the case and filed charge sheet.

Judge Sayeedunnisa, after hearing arguments presented by Public prosecutor, Judith O M Crasta pronounced her verdict. In case the accused fail to pay the penalty amount they will have serve an additional one-year jail term.

Meanwhile four other accused have been acquitted.