Udupi, August 22, 2025 – In a landmark move, the Karnataka High Court has confirmed preventive detention orders under the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (Goonda Act) against two individuals, Kabir alias Kabir Hussain and Krishna Achari alias Krishna Jalagar, for their persistent involvement in drug trafficking and related crimes under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This marks the first instance of the Goonda Act being invoked in Udupi district for NDPS-related offenses.

Kabir Hussain, a key member of the notorious Garuda Gang, has been linked to criminal activities across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts. Since 2005, he has been implicated in 17 cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, extortion, theft, cattle theft, and assault on government officials. Of these, he was convicted in two cases, acquitted in eight due to hostile witnesses, settled three through compromise, with two under trial and two under investigation. Following a petition by Udupi police, the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate issued a detention order, and Kabir is currently held at Mysuru Central Prison.

Krishna Achari, from the Brahmavar police station limits, faces four cases, with convictions in two and the remaining two under trial. The High Court’s affirmation of the Goonda Act orders underscores Udupi’s crackdown on organized crime and drug-related offenses, aiming to curb the influence of groups like the Garuda Gang, known for drug peddling, extortion, and other illegal activities in the region.