Mangaluru : The Dakshina Kannada police have arrested one more person in connection with the murder of 30-year-old Harish Poojary following a clash between two communities in Bantwal on November 12.

Superintendent of Police Sharanappa S.D. gave his name as Mithun Poojary (27) of Goltamajalu, near Bantwal, who, he said, was said to be the main accused. The police had earlier arrested Bhuvith Shetty, and his associate Achyut (28).

Mr. Sharanappa said that it was too early to name the organisation for which Mithun Poojary worked.

However, he said Mithun was an active member of the organisation that Bhuvith Shetty was associated with. He said Mithun was among the five persons who attacked Harish Poojary and his friend Samiuallah.

Mr. Sharanappa said it was Mithun who had attacked Hareesh. “He is the mastermind and the main accused.” The police were on the look out for two more persons in the case. They have recovered a knife used for the murder. They were yet to seize a car used for the offence. It was being used by another accused, who was absconding. Mithun was involved in a case of murder and three cases of attempt to murder. He was among the several criminal offenders whose movement had been kept under surveillance, Mr. Sharanappa added.

Mr. Sharanappa said the police were trying to find out who had planned the murder and from where did they do it.

The police would book those who had supported the accused and those who were trying to safeguard the assaulters. Mr. Sharanappa reiterated that the police were arresting those who were involved in the murder. “If anybody feels that the arrested persons are innocent, then they can approach me or any other police officers and inform us about those who are involved,” he said.