Mangaluru: Court hands down life sentence to 5 accused in Palliyabba murder case

Mangaluru: A  court in Mangaluru has sentenced five persons to life imprisonment for the murder of Palliyabba, who was running a financial business in Pavuru village under Konaje police station.

Mohammad Hanza (47), Azharuddin alias Azhar (29) of Malar, Ameer alias Ammi (29), Mohammad Arfaz (23) and Ataullah alias Altaf (23) of Sajipanadu village, were convicted for their involvement in the murder.

Palliyabba was reported missing by his brother to the police on October 29, 2020. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Palliyabba had gone along with Hanza, Amir, Arfaz, and Altaf in Azharuddin’s rickshaw.

Investigation revealed that Palliyabba had lent Rs 72,000 to Hanza’s relative in Malar, which was not returned. As a result, there was a dispute between them, and the criminals took Palliyabba in an autorickshaw and killed him. They buried his body in a hillock called Alkiàrupadavu.

Konaje Police Inspector Madhusudan conducted the investigation and submitted the charge sheet to the court.

The Mangaluru 3rd Additional District and Sessions Court Judge B.B. Jakati handed down the sentence on Friday, sentencing the criminals to life imprisonment. The court also ordered the DK District Legal Services Authority to pay Palliyabba’s daughter Rs 3 lakhs in compensation.

Prosecutor Narayana Sherigar U. argued on behalf of the government.