Sharpshooter Suspected in Ricky Rai Attack, Police Probe Rivalries

Sharpshooter Suspected in Ricky Rai Attack, Police Probe Rivalries

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, April 20, 2025: The attack on Ricky Rai, son of the late underworld figure Muthappa Rai, is suspected to have been carried out by a hired sharpshooter, according to police sources. A complaint filed by Ricky’s driver, Basavaraju G, has named four suspects, including Rakesh Malli and Muthappa’s second wife, Anuradha.

The incident occurred early Saturday near Ricky’s residence in Bidadi when he was shot at while traveling in his Toyota Fortuner. The shooter, reportedly concealed behind a cement wall, fired from a shotgun at a range of less than 100 meters. The bullet pierced the car door, grazed the driver’s back, and caused minor injuries to Ricky’s right arm and nose.

Police are also exploring the possibility that the attack might have been staged. "It is pure luck that Ricky survived what appears to be a meticulously planned attack," said an officer from Ramanagar district.

Investigators have identified inconsistencies in the sequence of events. Notably, the shooter did not fire at Ricky when he exited the vehicle to inspect a tire earlier, and the driver did not retaliate during the attack.

Basavaraju’s complaint pointed to four individuals: Rakesh Malli, a former associate of Muthappa Rai turned adversary; Anuradha, Rai’s second wife; businessman Nitesh Shetty; and Shetty’s associate, Vaidyanathan. The police are probing motives linked to family disputes, business rivalries, and real estate dealings.

Inheritance-related litigation has also emerged as a potential angle. Following Muthappa Rai’s death in 2020, disputes arose over his property, which was divided among his two sons and Anuradha. Though the matter was later "settled," Ricky reportedly transferred assets worth ₹8.5 crore to Anuradha, including properties in Yelahanka, Mysuru, and Pandavapura.

Basavaraju claimed in the complaint that Ricky had received threats from individuals linked to Anuradha. He also noted that Muthappa had warned his sons to be vigilant after his passing.

Meanwhile, police teams are working to identify the shooter, relying on informants and local leads. Evidence recovered from the crime scene includes an empty shotgun shell and a keypad phone, which are being analyzed by forensic experts.

Investigations are ongoing, with police focusing on past rivalries and other conflicts as they piece together the motive behind the attack.