Ricky Rai, the son of late underworld don N Muthappa Rai, was shot at in the early hours of Saturday near his residence in Bidadi, Karnataka. This violent incident has left the former gangster’s son with injuries, and he is currently undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.
Incident Details: How the Attack Unfolded
The attack occurred between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM on Saturday when Ricky Rai was travelling from Bidadi to Bengaluru in his Toyota Fortuner, accompanied by his driver and a gunman. As they approached a stretch near his residence, a group of unidentified assailants fired at least three rounds at the vehicle. A bullet struck the car, injuring both Ricky Rai and his driver.
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Injuries Sustained: The bullet pierced through the driver’s seat, injuring Ricky Rai in the nose and arms. His driver sustained minor injuries to his back. Fortunately, both victims are reported to be out of danger.
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Immediate Medical Attention: Following the shooting, both Ricky Rai and the driver were initially taken to a private hospital in Bidadi, before being transferred to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru for further treatment.
Investigation and Leads
The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. Preliminary inquiries indicate that the shooter used a shotgun, though this has yet to be confirmed. A forensic team has collected samples from the crime scene, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being examined to identify the assailants.
Several important aspects of the case are still under investigation:
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Location of the Shooting: The attack took place approximately 200 meters from Ricky Rai’s residence in Bidadi.
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Position of the Shooter: Police believe the assailant was hiding behind a cement wall across the road, suggesting that the shooting was a premeditated attack. Investigators suspect that the assailant might have been aware of Ricky’s movements, possibly indicating an insider’s involvement.
Possible Motives Behind the Attack
While the police have not ruled out any possibilities, initial findings suggest that the incident could be related to a business dispute. Investigators have discovered that Ricky Rai had been embroiled in a conflict with the owner of a real estate company. The police are also looking into suspicions raised by the driver regarding the real estate owner and even Rai’s first wife.
The involvement of rivals from Muthappa Rai’s past is another lead being pursued. Police are interrogating individuals linked to Muthappa Rai’s former associates and enemies.
An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act.
Muthappa Rai: A Legacy of Crime
The attack on Ricky Rai has brought attention back to his late father, N Muthappa Rai, a notorious underworld don who built a criminal empire in Karnataka.
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Early Life and Rise to Power: Muthappa Rai, who started as a local bank employee, gradually ventured into the world of crime. His first major crime involved defending his cabaret joint from local thugs, a confrontation that escalated into violence.
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Reputation and Legacy: Rai’s criminal notoriety peaked in 1989 when he and his associates ambushed and killed rival gangster MP Jayaraj. His violent rise through the ranks made him one of Karnataka's most feared criminals. After a long career in crime, Muthappa Rai died on May 15, 2020, from brain cancer.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Interest
Karnataka’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, has been briefed on the incident and is closely monitoring the investigation. Police forces have been deployed at the scene, and additional measures are being taken to ensure a thorough probe. G. Parameshwara confirmed that both Ricky Rai and the driver were out of immediate danger and emphasised the importance of swift action in identifying the attackers.
As the investigation continues, authorities are scrutinising various angles of the case. Given the connection to Muthappa Rai's past and his legacy in the criminal underworld, it’s likely that this case will continue to capture significant public and media attention in the coming days.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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