Eighth Arrest in Abdul Rehman Murder Case as Bantwal Police Tighten Net

BANTWAL, KARNATAKA — June 6, 2025 

Coastal Karnataka, police arrested the eighth suspect on June 4, intensifying what is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched criminal investigations in the region.

The case, originally registered at the Bantwal Rural Police Station under Crime No. 54/2025, involves grave charges under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, indicating the serious and multifaceted nature of the crime.

The New Arrest: A Deeper Look

The latest individual taken into custody is Ravi Sanjay, a 29-year-old resident of Bettagere in Sringeri, a town tucked away in the verdant hills of Chikkamagaluru district. He was formally arrested and produced before the local magistrate on Tuesday, June 4.

Sanjay’s alleged involvement had been under scrutiny for several days, and his arrest now marks the eighth in the case, with police sources hinting that he may have played a key role in coordinating aspects of the incident remotely.

Senior investigating officers confirmed that legal procedures were promptly followed, and Sanjay has been remanded into police custody for further questioning. His arrest could potentially open new leads in what authorities describe as a “deliberate and organized conspiracy.”

What We Know So Far

The murder of Abdul Rehman, a 34-year-old local trader known for his active role in community welfare, was reported on May 27, sending shockwaves through the tightly-knit neighborhood of Bantwal taluk. Initial findings suggested that the attack on Rehman was not a random act of violence but rather a premeditated operation involving multiple perpetrators with distinct roles.

Investigators have so far arrested seven other individuals, whose identities have not been officially disclosed pending legal processes. All eight are believed to have varying degrees of involvement — from direct assault to conspiracy, misinformation, and aiding escape routes.

The case is being pursued under Sections 191(1), 191(2), 191(3), 118(1), 118(2), 109, and 103, in addition to Section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — India’s newly codified criminal law framework that replaced the Indian Penal Code earlier this year.

These sections pertain to fabrication of evidence, intentional concealment of facts, criminal conspiracy, and abetment, showcasing the layered legal complexity of the matter.

A Climate of Tension and Caution

Since the crime was reported, local authorities have maintained heightened vigilance across Bantwal and surrounding areas. Although the town has returned to relative calm, the incident has ignited debates on rising crime rates, communal tensions, and the effectiveness of new laws under BNS 2023.

Citizens have demanded faster judicial processing and greater transparency from law enforcement. “We want justice, not just arrests,” said Afzal Khan, a relative of the deceased. “Rehman was a peace-loving man. This wasn’t just a murder — it was an attack on our sense of safety.”

Legal Framework: A Case Under BNS 2023

Legal experts believe this case is one of the first high-profile tests for the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which came into effect earlier this year, revamping India’s criminal law after more than a century.

“The invocation of multiple clauses under BNS signals how the law intends to deal with layered criminal acts,” explained criminal law advocate Savitha Rao. “It’s not just about who pulled the trigger, but who planned it, who concealed it, and who misled justice.”

With every new arrest, the enforcement of this law is being observed keenly by legal scholars and law enforcement agencies across India.

The Road Ahead

According to Bantwal’s Superintendent of Police, the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests cannot be ruled out. The police are also reportedly pursuing digital and financial trails linked to the suspects, along with possible forensic evidence from the scene of the crime.

The court is expected to reconvene later this week to hear interim findings, and a formal chargesheet is anticipated by mid-July.

Community and Political Reactions

Local leaders across political parties have condemned the murder. However, some have expressed concern over the broader implications on law and order in the Dakshina Kannada region, which has seen sporadic incidents of violence in the past.

There is increasing demand for community policing initiatives, with calls to involve citizens in crime prevention through awareness and early reporting.

Remembering Abdul Rehman

For those who knew him, Abdul Rehman was more than a statistic. A father of two, he ran a small but successful textile shop and was often seen leading local cleanup drives and charity events. His friends describe him as soft-spoken, principled, and deeply spiritual.

His tragic death, however, has now transformed him into a symbol — one whose story is entwined with the challenges of justice, community safety, and the evolving nature of law enforcement in India.