Accused arrested for abducting youth, woman in name of moral policing 

KASARGOD: Two people have been arrested in Kasaragod for allegedly abducting a youth and his female friend after confronting them for sitting and talking inside a car. The accused, identified as Afsal (29) of Mogral Maimoon Neeroli House and Mohammed Mansoor (27) of Kunnin House were taken into custody by the Kumbala Police. They abducted a 20-year-old youth and an 18-year-old girl.

The accused attacked the two Thursday afternoon when they were sitting and talking in a car. According to police, three men arrived in an auto, attacked the youth and then misbehaved with her. The accused then forcibly entered the car and took the two towards Seethangoli area. During the journey, they allegedly snatched Rs 500 from the youth to buy liquor from a beverage outlet and later threatened them with a knife and seized their mobile phones.

The incident came to light when the accused, who were reportedly driving recklessly, brushed against another vehicle, leading to an argument. As locals and police gathered there, the victims informed officers that they had been threatened and abducted.

Police immediately detained Afsal and Mansoor, while a third suspect managed to escape and remains at large.

Investigators said Afsal is also an accused in a murder case registered at Kumbala Police Station in 2014 and has been involved in cases related to drug trafficking and drunk driving. Mansoor reportedly faces charges including attempted murder, illegal possession of weapons and theft.