Bhatkal: In a major breakthrough, the Bhatkal and Honavar police who had acted jointly have been successful in trapping an inter-state gang of dacoits in Manki here. However, one Kumar said to be the kingpin of the racket is missing.

Cases have already been pending against the arrested in several police stations in the state and also in Andhra Pradesh.
The arrested are Hasanabba, Narendra Babu, Manikantha, Raghavendra, Ramanjaneyalu, Salim, Vamshi, and Suresh Kumar. Police said they belong to the dreaded Hamza and Suresh Kumar gang.

It is learnt, the accused were trying to loot lorries on highways after killing the drivers. It may be recalled here that two lorry drivers had been killed in Yellapur some time back.

The accused have been produced before the court and entrusted to police custody.