Will the Government Soon Hand Over the Suhas Shetty Murder Case to NIA?

Synopsis
The Karnataka government is considering transferring the controversial murder case of Suhas Shetty, a Hindu activist and history-sheeter, to the NIA. This decision comes amidst rising communal tensions in the coastal region. Will this move quell unrest, or exacerbate it further? Stay tuned for the latest updates.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government deliberating NIA involvement in Suhas Shetty murder.
- Communal strife has escalated following the incident.
- Political leaders express varied opinions on NIA intervention.
- Union Home Ministry cites serious legal grounds for NIA involvement.
- Potential for increased tensions if the case is not handled carefully.
Bengaluru, June 9 (NationPress) The Karnataka government is poised to make a decision on whether the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take over the high-profile murder case of Suhas Shetty, a history-sheeter and Hindu activist. This incident has incited significant communal unrest in the coastal area.
On Monday, Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that the government would deliberate on the potential transfer of the case to the NIA.
When questioned by the media on the matter, HM Parameshwara remarked, "I have received a letter from the Union Home Ministry concerning the transfer of the murder case of Hindu activist and rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty to the NIA. We will officially discuss this matter and arrive at a decision."
In response to a query regarding whether the Centre's call for an NIA investigation stemmed from inadequacies in the state police's handling of the case, he said, "I am unaware of any representations made. There have been numerous demands in the coastal region for the case to be assigned to central agencies."
"I cannot confirm if any MP or MLA has requested an NIA investigation. I have received communication from the Union Home Ministry; the DG and IGP have briefed me. We will reach a conclusion during today's meeting," he added.
In Bengaluru, Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad criticized the NIA's credibility, claiming it has been "reduced to a laughing stock" by the Centre.
"The public would endorse the NIA taking over serious cases, as they should investigate issues related to terrorism and anti-national activities. However, this involvement pertains to a member of the BJP Rowdy Morcha," he argued.
"The individuals involved in the crime, as well as those upon whom the crime was committed, are merely puppets. The true perpetrators are orchestrating events from the shadows. If apprehended, peace could be restored within two days," asserted MLA Hariprasad.
Reacting to the situation, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka welcomed the prospect of an NIA investigation, arguing that Hindus are being oppressed by the government. He alleged that organizations like the PFI, ISIS, and KFD, as well as individuals from Kerala, have played a role in this murder.
It is important to note that the murder of Suhas Shetty occurred in the wake of the mob lynching of Mohammed Ashraf in Mangaluru, who was targeted for allegedly shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad,' which sparked communal tensions in the sensitive coastal region of the state.
Suhas Shetty was the principal suspect in the murder of Mohammad Fazil, who was killed in retaliation for the murder of BJP leader Praveen Kumar Nettaru during the hijab controversy in Mangaluru.
The Union Home Ministry’s directive to transfer the case to the NIA indicated: "This case involves Sections 10 in conjunction with 41, 13, 15, 17, 18, and 20 of the UA (P) Act 1967 (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act), as it pertains to a targeted killing in public meant to instill fear among the populace, and the accused are reportedly affiliated with the Popular Front of India (PFI), which is designated as an unlawful organization."