Ricky Rai quizzed by Bidadi police for four hours regarding shooting incident

RAMANAGARA: Ricky Rai, son of former underworld gangster Muthappa Rai, who survived a shootout on him outside his farmhouse on the night of April 18, made his first public appearance on Tuesday when he appeared at the Bidadi police station to record his statement.

Ricky Rai arrived at the police station with his own security men and was questioned for about four hours by a team led by Deputy SP Srinivas and Bidadi police inspector Shankar Nayak. The entire interview was also videographed.

Ricky Rai appeared before the police in response to a notice issued to him in connection with the shooting incident. A large crowd, including members of the Jai Karnataka association, had gathered near the police station to catch a glimpse of Ricky Rai.

Speaking to media persons later, he said, “There was an attack on me on April 18 where a shooter opened fire when I was coming out of the house. I suffered injuries on the nose and hand, but luckily nothing much happened to me. There are other suspects in the case and I have given the information to the police. More investigation needs to be done and I should get justice. Otherwise, we will seek vengeance”.

He refused to comment on the arrest of his former gunman Vitthal saying, “The investigation is still ongoing, let it be completed and then we’ll see”.

His lawyer Narayanaswamy said, “The police have taken all information from Ricky Rai and provided updates about the investigation. We have full faith in the police investigation, but some people are spreading misinformation. If we don’t get justice, we will continue with the legal battle”.

Unidentified persons opened fire at Ricky Rai’s car on the night of April 18 when he was leaving his Bidadi farm house. His driver had named four suspects in his complaint including Rakesh Malli, Anuradha Rai, Nitish Reddy and Vaidyanath. The police have questioned several people in connection with the shooting incident and arrested former gunman Vitthal.