Udupi :  Udupi police have apprehended five persons  suspected to be the associates of Bannanje Raja, the notorious underworld don. They were arrested near the Ashirvad Theatre, Santhekatte, puttur. Swords and chilly powder was also found in their car.

The arrested are Mohammad Maksood Moodbidri, Mohammad Haneef alias Bada Haneef alias Mother India Haneef of Karkala, Sachin Poojari of Ambagilu, Sayyed Buran Kaup and Shamshuddin. They were reportedly threatening businessmen and placing hafta demand and were also planning to kill those who refused to pay hafta.

They have been remanded to judicial custody till October 7. It is said they were also working for Siraj Hassan of Doddanagudde and Sameer of Hanumanthanagar who too were abroad.