Son of Late Underworld Don Muthappa Rai Shot at Near Bengaluru, Stepmother and Former Associate Named in FIR

Bengaluru, April 20, 2025: In a dramatic incident on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Ricky Rai, son of the late underworld figure Muthappa Rai, was allegedly shot at by an armed gang while traveling in his SUV early Saturday. The 35-year-old, who currently oversees his late father’s business empire, suffered injuries to his nose and right shoulder but is reportedly out of danger.

The attack occurred near Rai’s farmhouse in Bidadi between 1 am and 2 am. According to a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by his driver, Basavaraju G, shots were fired at the vehicle from what authorities suspect to be a high-powered long-range firearm. The assailants remain unidentified as of now.

Rai was rushed to Manipal Hospital after the attack, where he is receiving treatment. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the incident, stating, “We have received information about the firing incident… the police are investigating.”

Family Feud and Old Rivalries Surface

In a startling development, the FIR names Anuradha, Muthappa Rai’s second wife, along with Rakesh Malli, a former associate and Congress leader, and real estate businessmen Nitesh Shetty and Vaidyanathan as suspects.

Following Muthappa Rai’s death in 2020 after a prolonged illness, disputes reportedly erupted within the family over the vast real estate holdings amassed by the former don. Sources close to the family claim longstanding tensions between Rai’s two sons from his first marriage and Anuradha. There have also been unresolved financial and property disputes involving former associates like Malli.

Sequence of the Attack

As per the driver’s statement, an initial gunshot-like sound was heard at around 11 pm on April 18 when they left the farmhouse, though no immediate damage was visible. The vehicle returned briefly for Rai to retrieve a personal item and resumed its journey at 12:50 am — when fresh gunshots were fired at the same spot.

The driver reported, “Ricky Rai, who was sitting in the rear seat, had a broken nose, and his face was bleeding heavily. We rushed him to a nearby hospital and then to Manipal Hospital in an ambulance.”

Past Controversies

Ricky Rai, known for his flamboyant lifestyle, has often found himself in the news. In 2021, his name surfaced during the Bitcoin scam investigation in Bengaluru. A hacker, Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki, had alleged delivering ₹20 lakh via hawala to Rai’s driver. Rai’s name also came up during investigations into online gaming frauds and alleged celebrity drug parties.

Police Investigation Underway

Bidadi police officials confirmed that Rai suspected a conspiracy involving his stepmother, Rakesh Malli, and others. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and ballistic evidence from the scene, while statements from all named parties are being recorded.

The incident underscores how old underworld rivalries and property disputes continue to haunt Bengaluru’s crime landscape years after the passing of once-feared figures like Muthappa Rai.