What Actions Have Been Taken Against Hindu Activists in Suhas Shetty Murder Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two Hindu activists have been charged in connection with the murder investigation.
- The FIR was prompted by accusations of defamation against a police officer.
- The case has sparked significant controversy within local communities.
- Police are investigating the involvement of over 20 individuals in the case.
- The demand for an NIA probe has emerged from political parties.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 6 (NationPress) - An FIR has been registered by the Karnataka Police on Tuesday against two members of a Hindu organization for allegedly associating a head constable with the murder of former Bajrang Dal member Suhas Shetty.
The FIR targets Samitraj Daragudde, identified as a leader within the Hindu group, and K.T. Ullas, the Regional Convenor of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike.
This legal action follows a complaint from Head Constable Rasheed at the Bajpe police station, where he expressed that his name was unfairly implicated in the murder case of Suhas Shetty and claimed to have suffered defamation through social media.
According to police reports, Samitraj, hailing from Moodbidri, made a social media post insinuating that Rasheed was involved in Shetty's murder and questioned when he would face arrest. During a press conference, Ullas alleged that Rasheed had a covert connection with the murderers.
Previously, the Hindu Jagarana Vedike expressed dissatisfaction regarding the police's management of the case. Ullas claimed that covert forces were involved in the murder of Suhas Shetty, alleging that over Rs 50 was funneled to execute the crime, while also raising suspicions about a head constable from a minority community assigned to the Bajpe police station.
Ullas further claimed that the police's assertion that Shetty was murdered out of “revenge” was misleading. He pointed out that hidden forces, along with the family of the deceased youth whom Shetty had allegedly killed, were implicated, suggesting a clear pattern of targeted killing.
He remarked that the method of execution mirrored that of the PFI model, noting that the assailants appeared unhurried while fleeing after the murder.
“Local residents appear to have aided them. Two women in burqas can be seen in video footage assisting the attackers, indicating that many present were likely aware of the impending murder,” Ullas added.
He also accused the head constable of having “tortured” Suhas Shetty, alleging that police had cautioned him against carrying weapons in his vehicle, suggesting a possible information leak from the head constable.
Ullas further alleged that the two Hindu individuals are intentionally included among other suspects to prevent the transfer of the case to the NIA.
As of now, Mangaluru Police have arrested eight individuals connected to the murder of the 42-year-old Hindu activist and rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty, who was murdered on May 1. The BJP and various Hindu organizations are urging a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), suspecting “fundamentalist forces” behind the crime.
Police sources indicate that they are exploring the involvement of over 20 individuals in this case and are actively searching for the two primary suspects.