Former Mangaluru MLA's brother dies by drowning; investigation underway

Mangaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 7 (ANI): BM Mumtaz Ali, brother of former MLA from Mangaluru North Constituency, Mouiddin Bhava, was reported missing after allegedly jumping into the river near Kuloor Bridge. His body was recovered on Monday at around 10 am, according to a police press release.
The deceased's family has expressed strong suspicions that his suicide was the result of continuous blackmail, threats, and harassment by a group of individuals. Mumtaz Ali, a businessman, had allegedly been extorted for over Rs 50 lakh by several individuals since July 2024, the police stated.
Further threats of harm were reportedly made if additional payments were not made. The accused are said to have used false allegations of an illicit relationship involving one of the individuals, Rahmat, to damage his reputation and cause immense mental stress, police said.
On the morning of his disappearance, at around 3:00 am on Sunday, Mumtaz Ali recorded a voice message naming the individuals he held responsible for driving him to this act. This message was sent to multiple family members and friends, further corroborating the family's claims, the statement added.
Following Mumtaz Ali's disappearance, a missing person case was immediately registered at Kavoor Police Station under Crime No.149/2024. Subsequently, based on detailed complaints from the family, an extortion case was registered under Crime No. 150/2024 against the accused individuals identified as Rahmat, Abdul Sattar, Shafi (a sand merchant), Mustafa, Shoaib, and Siraj (driver of Abdul Sattar), police said.
The investigation is ongoing, with a post-mortem and inquest being conducted. Mangalore City Police have ensured proper security arrangements at the hospital and the cremation site. The police are also reviewing the accused's involvement in previous cases, they assured.
Further updates on the matter are awaited. (ANI)