Ricky Rai, the younger son of the late underworld don Muthappa Rai, has provided a detailed statement to the Ramanagara police regarding a gun attack he suffered just past midnight on Friday, April 18, 2025. The incident occurred near his farmhouse in Bidadi, and Ricky, who is currently recovering from his injuries, spoke to a deputy superintendent of police (DySP) at Manipal Hospitals on Old Airport Road on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
According to police sources, Ricky echoed the claims made by his driver, Basavaraj, in an official complaint filed the day after the shooting. In his statement, Ricky identified several key suspects in the attack: Muthappa Rai's former associate Rakesh Malli, his stepmother Anuradha Rai, realtor Nitish Shetty, and Shetty's aide Vaidyanathan. Investigators are exploring multiple angles, including potential property disputes and personal vendettas.
Interestingly, the attack took place under unusual circumstances. Ricky typically travels with a security detail of at least three guards, but on the night of the incident, he was accompanied by only one gunman and his driver. This deviation from his normal security protocol has raised questions among investigators, who are probing why Ricky was not driving himself as he usually does.
According to Basavaraj's account, the shooting occurred shortly after Ricky and his driver had briefly exited the farmhouse and returned. The police have since deployed a sniffer dog team and metal detector experts to the scene in search of evidence. Following the attack, Ricky was initially rushed to a nearby hospital in the same SUV before being transferred to Manipal Hospitals in an ambulance. The police have now retrieved the vehicle for a crime scene reconstruction.
As of now, three suspects have been interrogated in connection with the case. The police are also awaiting a forensic science laboratory (FSL) report to determine the type of weapon used in the shooting. A senior police officer stated, "We are investigating the case from all possible angles, including property disputes and personal enmity. We are also verifying why Ricky was driving only with one gunman and a driver on the day of the incident."
Adding another layer to the story, Ricky's lawyer revealed that a legal settlement had already been reached through Lok Adalat concerning a property dispute involving the accused. This settlement suggests that greed, rather than outright conflict, may have been a motivating factor behind the attack. The lawyer noted, "People who would benefit from his demise were behind the attempt on his life."
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full details surrounding the attack on Ricky Rai, a figure whose family legacy is deeply intertwined with Bengaluru's underworld. The police are expected to serve notices to the accused persons for further investigation as they gather more evidence.
In this high-stakes situation, the implications of the attack extend beyond Ricky's personal safety, potentially affecting the broader dynamics of power and influence within the region's criminal landscape. The Rai family's history is marked by tumult and violence, and this latest incident underscores the ongoing tensions that persist in their world.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will navigate the complex web of relationships and rivalries that characterize the underworld. Will justice be served, or will the shadows of greed and revenge continue to loom large over Bengaluru? Only time will tell.
