Mangaluru: Notorious criminal and leader of ‘Target Group’ Ilyas was stabbed to death this morning by a rival gang at his residence in Jeppu Kodpadi. The murder took place at around 9 am while Ilyas was sleeping.

DCP (traffic and crime) Uma Prashanth confirmed he was killed by a rival gang. According to sources, the rivals belong to the same community. Ilyas was released on bail only yesterday.

Ilyas has 25 cases registered against him at several Police stations in Bajpe and Konaje in Dakshina Kannada, Yellapur in Uttara Kannada. Four warrants had also been issued against him.

He was also wanted in the attempt to murder case of a person identified as Dawood in Ullal.

The body has been shifted to a private hospital for autopsy.

The Anti-Rowdy Squad had, in November, arrested Ilyas from an apartment near a place of worship at Jeppu Kodpadi.

The Target Group is known for crimes ranging from honey trap to extortion, kidnap to black mail, and assaults to murder. The gang having 10-15 members is infamous for their criminal activities in Ullal and surrounding areas.