Three Sentenced to Triple Life Imprisonment in 2014 Mangaluru Double Murder Case

Three Sentenced to Triple Life Imprisonment in 2014 Mangaluru Double Murder Case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 20, 2025: Eleven years after two Malayalis were murdered in Mangaluru and buried in Kasaragod following a dispute over the proceeds of smuggled gold, a Mangaluru sessions court has sentenced the three accused to triple life imprisonment. The case, which began as a friendship, devolved into greed, betrayal, and a gruesome double murder.

The victims, Nafir Ahamed (24) from Thalassery, Kannur, and Faheem (25) from Kuttichira, Kozhikode, met their tragic end over a dispute involving the sale of 3kg of smuggled gold from Dubai.

The court found the accused — Mohammed Mahajeer Sanaf (36) from Cherkala near Kasaragod, and Mohammed Irshad (35) and A Mohammed Safwan (34), both from Anangoor in Kasaragod town — guilty of conspiracy (Section 120B IPC), double murder (Section 302 IPC), and destruction of evidence (Section 201 IPC).

On Saturday, April 19, Additional Sessions Court-I Judge Mallikarjuna Swamy H S handed each of the accused life sentences for conspiracy, two life terms for the murders, and an additional three years for tampering with evidence. A fine of ₹65,000 was also imposed on each, with an additional 17 months of imprisonment for non-payment. All sentences will run concurrently.

Motive and the Crime
The saga began in June 2014 when Nafir smuggled 3kg of gold into Mangaluru from Dubai, deciding to keep it for himself instead of delivering it to the handlers. He enlisted his friend Faheem to find buyers, who introduced him to Sanaf. Sanaf, the son of a prominent lawyer and a law college dropout, involved his friends Irshad and Safwan.

The group managed to sell 2.5kg of gold for ₹73 lakh. However, instead of handing over the proceeds, Sanaf stalled, claiming he would release the money in parts. Tensions escalated as Nafir demanded his share.

Prosecutor Judith OM Crasta revealed that Sanaf, under pressure from both Nafir and the original smugglers, conspired with his accomplices to eliminate Nafir and Faheem.

On July 1, 2014, the accused lured the victims to a rented flat in Attavar, Mangaluru. There, they brutally stabbed both to death, packed the bodies in plastic gunny bags, and transported them to a plot in Kasaragod owned by Safwan, where they buried the remains.

Breakthrough and Arrest
The gruesome crime began to unravel when neighbours noticed suspicious activities at the rented flat, including bloodstains and commotion. They alerted authorities, who were already on high alert due to Naxal activity in the region.

On July 6, 2014, a City Crime Branch (CCB) team led by Inspector Valentine D’Souza intercepted the accused’s Renault Duster near Mahakalipadpu railway crossing. The trio was arrested, and the investigation revealed the chilling details of the crime.

Despite the lengthy trial, the accused were out on bail for years until their conviction earlier this month. With this judgment, justice has finally been served, marking the end of a decade-long legal battle.