Accused in Extortion Case, Absconding After Sentencing, Apprehended After Three Years
Mangaluru: Authorities have successfully apprehended Naveen Sequeira (52), a resident of Chambugudde, Thokkottu, Permannur, who had been evading law enforcement following a court ruling in a case of extortion. Sequeira’s arrest comes after a prolonged period of evasion, subsequent to his initial sentencing in 2015.
The case against Sequeira originated from incidents reported in 2011 and 2012 at the Mangaluru East Police Station (Crime No. 195/2011), filed under Section 392 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Following a comprehensive trial, the court substantiated the charges against Sequeira, resulting in a sentence of three years’ rigorous imprisonment and a monetary penalty of Rs 5,000 in 2015.
Dissatisfied with the district court’s verdict, Sequeira contested the decision by filing a criminal writ petition before the High Court. Upon review of the petition, the High Court modified the original sentence, reducing it to one year of simple imprisonment and increasing the fine to Rs 15,000. The High Court mandated that Sequeira serve the revised sentence within the year 2022. The court explicitly stated that non-compliance with this directive would result in the enforcement of the initial district court sentence.
After the High Court’s order, Sequeira absconded, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Acting on reliable intelligence, law enforcement officials apprehended Naveen Sequeira on the 14th at Suprabhata Bar and Restaurant, located in Honnakatte, Surathkal. Following his arrest, Sequeira was presented before the court. In accordance with the original judgment, the court has ordered him to serve three years of rigorous imprisonment and pay a fine of Rs 5,000.