Rai, recently back from Russia and active in real estate, was hospitalised in critical condition. Police and forensic teams reached the scene, with officials confirming that details would follow post-investigation
Published Apr 19, 2025 | 7:57 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 19, 2025 | 7:57 PM
Midnight shooting leaves Ricky Rai, son of late Don Muthappa Rai, critically injured
Synopsis: In a late-night firing near underworld Don Muthappa Rai’s Bidadi residence, his son Ricky Rai was critically injured. Unidentified attackers opened fire on his car around 12:50 AM, targeting the driver’s seat. While the driver escaped unharmed, Ricky sustained injuries to his nose and hand. Recently returned from Russia, he was hospitalized. Police and forensic teams are investigating the scene.
A midnight firing incident near the residence of late underworld Don Muthappa Rai in Bidadi left his younger son, Ricky Rai, critically injured. The attack took place at approximately 12:50 AM, just outside the main gate of the family’s residence.
According to initial reports, unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle in which Ricky Rai was traveling. Two rounds were fired, with the bullets aimed specifically at the driver’s seat.
Driver Raju, who was at the wheel during the incident, narrowly escaped serious injury by ducking as the shots were fired. However, Ricky Rai, seated in the passenger seat, sustained injuries to his nose and hand. The car had just reached the main road in front of the residence when the attack occurred.
Rai, recently returned from Russia and active in the real estate sector, was rushed to a private hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Bidadi Inspector Shankar Naik, with Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) and forensic teams rushed to the site and began analyzing the crime scene.
Ramanagara Superintendent of Police Srinivas Gowda confirmed the incident and stated that further clarity would emerge following forensic examination and questioning of those involved. “At first glance, it appears only one round was fired, but we are awaiting the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) report,” he added.
While initial assumptions pointed toward a possible assassination attempt by professional hitmen, new evidence has led police to consider a different angle — a possible misfire from within Ricky Rai’s own security detail.
According to sources, Rai’s estate security personnel and bodyguards are known to carry shotguns. Unlike revolvers or stun guns typically used in professional hits, shotguns have a short range and use pellets that spread upon firing, reducing the likelihood of fatal injuries. This could explain the nature of Rai’s wounds and has raised suspicions that the incident may have involved a misfire from his own team.
The police are actively probing this line of investigation, including questioning estate staff and analyzing the trajectory and pattern of the pellets.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
