Karnataka BJP Leader Praveen Nettaru Murder: NIA Arrests Prime Accused Mustafa Paichar

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Mustafa Paichar, the prime accused in the 2022 murder case of Karnataka BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettaru.

Paichar was arrested by the anti-terror probe agency officials from his hideout in Karnataka, ANI reported citing sources.

Nettaru was hacked to death by two bike-borne attackers in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district's Bellare village on 26 July 2022.

The attack was allegedly carried out by the members of the banned Islamist terror outfit Popular Front of India's 'Killer Squads' or 'Service Teams'.

The NIA took over the case in August 2022.

To date, the NIA has charged 21 individuals, including those still at large, in connection with the case, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Arms Act.

According to the NIA, the Popular Front of India has engaged in targeted killings to sow communal discord and promote communal hatred, with the ultimate goal of establishing Islamic rule in India by 2047.

In September 2022, the Central government declared PFI as "unlawful association" and temporarily banned the organisation for five years under the UAPA act.

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