5 habitual offenders externed from Belagavi for 6 months

Belagavi: Ina strong crackdown aimed at restoring public order, Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase has ordered the externment of five habitual offenders from the district for a period of six months. The action comes in response to their repeated involvement in serious criminal activities, including murder attempts, assaults, robbery attempts, and illegal ganja trade.

According to police, the accused had become a constant threat to public peace and safety. Acting under provisions of Sections 55 and 56 of the Karnataka Police Act, the Commissioner issued externment orders effective from April 10 to October 9, barring the individuals from entering the district during this period. Among those externed is Piraji Yallappa Yasuche from Halaga village in Belagavi taluk, who faces four cases under the NDPS Act at the Belagavi Rural Police Station. Similarly, Tilakwadi residents Yash Ganesh Gavali (Dawale) and Aditya Ganesh Gavali (Dawale) have been booked in multiple cases, including assault and murder.

Another accused, Santosh Govind Divatagi of Parvati Nagar, has as many as five criminal cases registered against him at Udyambag Police Station, involving serious offences such as assault and murder. Rafeeq Mohammed Istiyaq Shaikh from the Machhe area is also among those externed, with three cases registered against him, including robbery attempt, assault, and a POCSO case.

Police officials stated that these individuals were repeatedly engaging in unlawful activities, instilling fear among residents and disrupting peace in various parts of the city. Their continued presence, authorities said, posed a serious law and order challenge.

Commissioner Borase emphasised that the externment is part of a broader strategy to curb rising crime, especially the illegal sale of narcotics like ganja, and to take strict action against those involved in violent crimes. “We are committed to ensuring public safety. Those indulging in illegal activities, carrying deadly weapons, and creating fear among citizens will face stringent legal action,” he said. The police have also issued a stern warning that similar externment actions will be taken against other habitual offenders if they continue to engage in criminal activities. Authorities reiterated that maintaining law and order and safeguarding public peace remains their top priority.

The externment order is expected to bring temporary relief to residents who have long complained about the activities of these offenders. Meanwhile, police have intensified surveillance and enforcement measures across the district to prevent any further criminal incidents.