Ricky Rai, the son of slain gangster and Jaya Karnataka founder Muthappa Rai, was shot at by unidentified assailants in the early hours of Saturday near his residence in Bidadi, Ramanagara district, police confirmed.
The incident occurred around 1:30 AM, triggering panic in the area. Rai sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to Bengaluru for advanced medical treatment.
Police Response
Ramanagara SP Srinivas Gowda confirmed the shooting and stated:
“Rai was shot at near his residence in Bidadi. He has been referred to Bengaluru for treatment. A police team reached the spot quickly and has cordoned off the area.”
The identity and motive of the attackers remain unknown as of now. A search operation is underway and police are examining CCTV footage and local witness accounts to trace the culprits.
Background
Ricky Rai is the son of Muthappa Rai, a controversial figure who transitioned from being an alleged gangster to a social activist and businessman before his death in 2020. Muthappa Rai had founded the Jaya Karnataka organization, which advocated for Kannada pride and regional development.
While Ricky Rai has mostly kept a low public profile, he is known to have maintained links in both business and political circles.
Developing Story
This incident has raised concerns over security lapses in the region and has brought back attention to the shadowy intersections of crime, politics, and legacy in Karnataka. Police officials are expected to release further details following preliminary investigations.