Hubballi/Dharwad Police Encounter: Notorious Robbers Shot

Hubballi/Dharwad (Karnataka), Jul 24 (PTI) - In the early hours of Thursday, an encounter took place near the Police Training School in Hubballi-Dharwad, leading to two suspected robbers being shot, according to Police Commissioner N Shashikumar.

The incident occurred within the Vidyanagar police station jurisdiction.

The chain of events was set in motion when a Doordarshan employee, returning home on his motorcycle, was targeted by armed robbers on Wednesday night.

He managed to escape and quickly informed the police.

The police promptly responded and arrested one of the suspects, Hussainsab Kanavalli, a notorious criminal with over 35 theft cases to his name across Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.

Interrogation of Kanavalli led authorities to the gang's hideout.

While being taken to the hideout, Kanavalli allegedly attacked police officers and managed to escape.

A confrontation ensued, and two other accused, Vijay Annigeri and Muzammil Saudagar, attempted to flee the scene.

Police sub-inspector Mallikarjun, in self-defense, fired at their legs after issuing a warning.

Both Annigeri and Saudagar are residents of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar and belong to an organized burglary gang.

During investigations, it was revealed that the gang avoided phone conversations, relying instead on Instagram messages to coordinate their operations and evade police monitoring.

Commissioner Shashikumar visited Dharwad District Hospital to check on the condition of sub-inspector Mallikarjun and constable Ishaq, who were injured during the operation.

He also inquired about the status of the wounded suspects, Annigeri and Saudagar, who are under strict police supervision while receiving medical treatment.

Shashikumar confirmed that the trio's attempt to steal the Doordarshan employee's motorcycle was unsuccessful.

Following a tip-off, police units from three Dharwad stations established checkpoints and apprehended Kanavalli.

However, Kanavalli's subsequent escape while identifying other suspects has prompted an ongoing search to locate him, Shashikumar stated.

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