Ricky Rai, the son of late underworld don N Muthappa Rai, was shot at by unidentified assailants near his residence in Bidadi, Karnataka, early Saturday morning, April 19, 2025. The incident occurred between 1:00 am and 1:30 am as he was traveling from his farmhouse in Bidadi towards Bengaluru in his car.
According to police reports, the attack took place when two assailants, who had been hiding behind a compound wall, opened fire on the vehicle. One of the bullets struck Ricky, who was seated in the rear of the car alongside his gunman. The bullet pierced through the driver's seat, injuring both Ricky and the driver. Following the shooting, Ricky was rushed to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru for treatment.
Ramanagara Superintendent of Police (SP) Srinivas Gowda confirmed the details of the incident, stating, "Rai was shot near his residence in Bidadi around 1:30 am on Saturday. He has been referred to Bengaluru for treatment." The police have registered a case and a special team has been formed to track down the attackers.
Initial investigations suggest that Ricky had returned from abroad just two days prior to the attack and generally resides outside India. This has led authorities to believe that the attackers may have been closely monitoring his movements. While Ricky does not have direct links to the underworld like his father, he is known to be actively involved in large-scale real estate ventures.
The shooting incident has revived memories of Muthappa Rai, who was a prominent figure in Bengaluru's underworld. Muthappa Rai began his career as a local bank employee but was drawn into crime after starting a cabaret joint on Brigade Road in Bengaluru. In 1989, he gained notoriety after ambushing and killing rival gangster MP Jayaraj. Muthappa Rai passed away on May 15, 2020, due to brain cancer, but his legacy continues to influence the region.
As the investigation unfolds, a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has arrived at the scene to collect evidence. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking road activity near the crime scene, and they plan to question the victim's gunman and close associates. Despite these efforts, no arrests have been made as of yet, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The attack on Ricky Rai raises concerns about the ongoing influence of organized crime in the region, particularly in light of his father's notorious history. It also highlights the potential dangers faced by individuals connected to high-profile figures in the underworld, even if they are not directly involved in criminal activities.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing gunshots around the time of the incident, and local residents expressed shock at the violence that has resurfaced in their community. Many are now questioning the safety measures in place to protect individuals who may be targeted due to their family ties.
As the police continue their investigation, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and answers regarding the motives behind this brazen attack. The incident underscores the complexities of crime and legacy in Karnataka, where the past often casts a long shadow over the present.
Ricky Rai's family and friends are rallying around him during this difficult time, and there are hopes for his recovery. As news of the shooting spreads, the public is left to wonder what this means for the future of the Rai family and the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region.
