What Led the NIA to Search 18 Locations in Karnataka Regarding Suhas Shetty's Murder?
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Synopsis
The NIA's recent search across Karnataka unveils critical evidence in the murder case of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, highlighting ongoing communal tensions. This shocking incident raises questions about safety and justice in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The NIA is actively investigating Suhas Shetty's murder case.
- Searches have resulted in the confiscation of critical evidence.
- Communal tensions in Karnataka have escalated post-murder.
- Justice remains a crucial demand from the victim's family.
- The case has broader implications for community safety.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed a significant operation on Saturday, targeting 18 locations across various districts in Karnataka related to the case of the targeted killing of Hindu activist and known rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty, according to an official report.
Suhas Shetty, a member of the Bajrang Dal, was violently attacked and murdered by accused Abdul Safwan and others with deadly weapons in the Bajpe area of Mangaluru City back in May this year. The NIA indicated that the motive behind the murder was to instill fear within the community.
Having taken over the investigation from local police in June, the NIA focused on the residences of 12 individuals who were arrested, as well as various other suspects connected to the case.
The searches, which took place in the districts of Mangaluru, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan, resulted in the confiscation of numerous digital devices, including 11 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, and eight memory cards, along with additional incriminating documents, as stated by the NIA.
The agency is continuing its investigation into the conspiracy surrounding the murder.
The brutal murder of Suhas Shetty has led to a wave of retaliatory killings and a series of stabbing incidents within the coastal region, with communal tensions spilling over into other areas of the state. In connection with this case, the Karnataka Police has detained 12 suspects. Following demands from BJP leaders and Union Ministers in the state, the Central Government has assigned the investigation to the NIA.
The parents of Suhas Shetty have voiced their belief that only the NIA's investigation can provide them with the justice they seek. Suhas Shetty was brutally killed on May 1 by a gang wielding machetes and swords while he was in his car with companions near the Bajpe police station.
A shocking video capturing the murder in broad daylight raised significant public concern.
Suhas Shetty was known as a Bajrang Dal activist and was the main suspect in the murder of Mohammad Fazil, a resident of Suratkal. Shetty and his associates allegedly murdered Fazil in a public setting on July 28, 2022, as retaliation for the killing of BJP activist Praveen Kumar Nettaru.
Nettaru, a BJP worker from a region known for its communal sensitivity, was killed during the height of the 'hijab' controversy in Bellare near Sullia in the Dakshina Kannada district. His murder ignited a series of retaliatory killings and stabbing incidents throughout the state.
Suhas Shetty had been released on bail concerning the murder of Fazil.
Weeks after Suhas Shetty's murder, a 42-year-old man named Imtiyaz, a pickup driver and mosque secretary, was also brutally killed in broad daylight near Ira Kodi in Bantwal, as an act of revenge for Shetty's murder.
Point of View
I believe that the investigation of Suhas Shetty's murder by the NIA is not only a legal necessity but also a societal obligation. The ongoing communal tensions illustrate the urgent need for justice and stability within Karnataka. It is essential to ensure that all investigations are conducted with transparency and integrity, promoting peace and understanding in the community.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the NIA to take over the investigation?
The NIA took over the investigation following demands from local BJP leaders and Union Ministers who sought a more thorough inquiry into the case.
How many locations did the NIA search?
The NIA conducted searches at 18 different locations across Karnataka.
What items were seized during the searches?
The NIA seized 11 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, eight memory cards, and various incriminating documents.
What was the motive behind Suhas Shetty's murder?
The murder was allegedly intended to instill fear and spread terror within the community.
What impact has Shetty's murder had on the community?
Suhas Shetty's murder has led to a series of retaliatory killings and heightened communal tensions in Karnataka.
