Mangaluru : The city police have arrested two hardcore criminals involved in the murderous assault on ASI of Urwa police station Aithappa in the wee hours of April 5.

The suspects identified as Shameer, aged 28 years and a resident of Katipalla, Surathkal and Muhammad Niyaz, aged 20 years from Khana, Surathkal, were apprehended near Pumpwell Circle at 8 pm on April 6 by a special investigation team constituted after the attack on Aithappa during night patrolling. The team included ACPs of central and north sub-divisions, police inspectors of Urwa and east stations, Police Commissioner M Chandra Sekhar told media persons here on Friday.

The suspects have confessed to the crime and an attempt to murder case has been booked against them. However, they will be taken into police custody after producing them before the court. A motorcycle has been seized from them and further investigation is on to get information about the motive behind the incident. However, their role in a similar attack on a policeman at Boliyar reported on April 4 is yet to be known, the commissioner said in his reply to a particular query.

Both suspects have criminal antecedents. Shameer has eight pending cases. including attempt to murder and assault on public servant registered in various stations here. Niyaz, who has five cases registered against him in different stations, is booked in a case in Shivamogga station too, he said.

Chandra Sekhar said the culprits will not be spared as it is an attack on fellow colleague and brother officer. “It’s the duty (of head of the force) to ensure safety of men and cannot allow people to act according to their whims and fancy.”

To a question on the condition of Aithappa, Chandra Sekhar said his condition is stable. The department is extending all possible assistance towards his treatment and he is recovering, he added.