Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 3: In a significant breakthrough, police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru, a city known for its communal sensitivity.
Addressing media on Saturday May 3, state home minister Dr G Parameshwara said that the suspects were picked up from different parts of Mangaluru district and are currently being interrogated.
The arrested accused are identified as Abdul Safwan (29) from Shantigudde, a driver by profession; Niyaz (28) from Shantigudde, a mason; Mohammed Muzamil (32) from Kenjar, who was working as a salesman in Saudi Arabia and was married just four months ago; Kalandhar Shafi (31) from Kursugudde, employed as a salesman in Bengaluru; Ranjith (19) from Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru, working as a driver; Nagraj (20) from Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru, working at a shamiyana (tent) shop; Mohammed Rizwan (28) from Jokatte, who was also employed in Saudi Arabia; and Adil Maharoof, brother of Fasil.
Police commissioner Anupam Agrawal revealed key details in the investigation into the brutal murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty, stating that the crime was premeditated and executed by a group of eight men as part of a larger conspiracy.
“Suhas Shetty was hacked to death on May 1. The accused arrived in a Swift car and a Bolero pickup, intercepted Shetty’s vehicle, and brutally murdered him,” the commissioner said.
According to Agrawal, the plot was initiated by Abdul Safwan, who was allegedly attacked in 2023 in a case where three persons were arrested. Since then, Safwan feared retaliation from Suhas Shetty. He shared his concerns with two other accused, and together they reached out to Adil Maharoof—brother of slain Fazil—who was acquainted with Safwan. A deal was allegedly struck for Rs 5 lac to carry out the murder, of which Rs 3 lac was paid in advance.
As the plot progressed, Kaladhar Shafi, Rizwan, and Niyaz joined the conspiracy. Through Niyaz, two more individuals—Ranjith and Nagraj from Kalasa—were brought into the plan. It is reported that Nagraj and Ranjith had stayed at Safwan’s house and were well acquainted with Niyaz. The accused had attempted to kill Suhas Shetty twice earlier but were unsuccessful. The vehicles used in the attack were found to be rented.
When asked whether the murder was an act of revenge for Fazil’s killing, commissioner Agrawal stated, “The intentions of Safwan and Adil Maharoof matched.”
Clarifying concerns over a viral video that surfaced after the murder, Commissioner Agrawal stated, “The two burqa-clad women seen in the video are relatives of one of the accused. They had come to Bajpe and will also be questioned.”
In connection with a recent stone-pelting incident, police have arrested three individuals. Further, in three separate stabbing cases, the accused have been identified and arrests are expected shortly.