Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 3: As part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty in Bajpe, officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted simultaneous raids on Saturday at around 18 locations, including Bajpe and Surathkal in Dakshina Kannada, and several places in Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts.
More than 25 officials formed multiple teams and searched locations such as Shantigudde, Tarikambla, Kinnipadavu, Kalavaru in Bajpe, and Chokkabettu and Krishnapura in Surathkal. They also interrogated some individuals based on the viral CCTV footage from the time of the incident. Sources suggest that crucial information related to the case has been obtained.
Officials inspected an apartment near the murder site for several hours. It was earlier revealed during the police investigation that the accused had rented a house in this apartment and stayed there for several months while allegedly planning the murder. The full CCTV footage of the crime was reportedly captured from this location.
In addition to the accused, raids were also conducted at the residences of others who were reportedly in contact with them. Local residents of Shantigudde objected to the sudden raids, leading to an argument with the NIA officials.
Act of revenge for Fazil’s murder
On the night of May 1, Suhas Shetty was killed after a tempo collided with his car in Kinnipadavu, Bajpe, and the assailants attacked him with swords. Police had arrested 12 individuals, including those directly involved and their aides. Investigation revealed that Suhas Shetty was killed in retaliation for the murder of Fazil in Surathkal two years ago. Fazil's murder had also involved his brother and associates, as per police findings.
Case transferred to NIA by union home ministry
Due to the suspected involvement of the banned PFI organization, their alleged unlawful assembly, acts meant to instill public fear, and the possibility of a larger conspiracy, the union home ministry transferred the case to NIA under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, on June 7. BJP leaders had alleged foreign funding behind the murder. The case was transferred to NIA without the state government’s approval. Subsequently, NIA obtained relevant case information from the police and interrogated eight prime accused, focusing on their financial sources, backgrounds, and organizational links.
Second case after Nettaru murder
The NIA had earlier investigated the murder of BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru, who was killed on July 22, 2022, reportedly due to communal hatred. The investigation, handed over to NIA on August 4, 2022, led to the arrest of 23 individuals and a charge sheet filed against 26 accused just two months ago.
Following a similar pattern as in the Nettaru murder case, BJP leaders and MP Capt Brijesh Chowta had raised concerns that Suhas Shetty’s murder was also a meticulously planned and organized attack. They had urged the central government to assign the investigation to NIA, which was subsequently done.
Seizure of properties and devices
The coordinated raids across three districts led to searches at the homes and properties of 12 accused and suspects. Authorities seized 11 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, 8 memory cards, and several documents. According to an NIA statement, the investigation will continue to probe the conspiracy behind the murder.