Karnataka: Centre Hands Over Suhas Shetty Murder Case To NIA Amid Allegations Of Larger Terror Conspiracy

The Centre has formally transferred the investigation into the murder of former Bajrang Dal member Suhas Shetty in Karnataka to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), citing national security concerns and the potential presence of a wider conspiracy.

The decision was conveyed via a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification dated 7 June, which stated, “The Central Government is of the opinion that a Scheduled Offence under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, has been committed... and it is required to be investigated by the National Investigation Agency,” reported Hindustan Times.

The case involves several offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, including sections related to terrorist acts and unlawful associations.

Shetty, aged 30, was brutally murdered on 1 May in Mangaluru’s Bajpe area, where a group of five to six armed assailants reportedly intercepted his vehicle and dragged him out before fatally attacking him with sharp weapons. Twelve individuals have so far been arrested in connection with the killing.

Authorities believe the incident was a premeditated, public execution designed to incite fear, allegedly involving members of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

The murder sparked communal tensions in the region, prompting enforcement of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The BJP in Karnataka had repeatedly demanded an NIA-led inquiry, accusing the Congress-led state government of mishandling the case. “Why is the Congress government unwilling to hand over the case to the NIA? What are they afraid of?” asked BJP MLA Captain Brijesh Chowta on 5 May.

Responding to the NIA takeover, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “I have asked DG and IGP MA Saleem to seek legal advice from the advocate general.” The NIA will now proceed with its investigation into what officials suggest is not just a murder, but a calculated act of terror.

Coastal Karnataka has been witness to attacks on a number of Hindu activists and leaders over the years. In April, in a similar 2022 murder case of BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru, the NIA has filed a second supplementary chargesheet against four more accused.

Nettaru was also killed in Dakshina Kannada by PFI-linked attackers, with 27 individuals now chargesheeted, including six absconding, for aiding the assailants' escape and concealment.

Also Read: Centre Plans 271-Km Circular Railway In Bengaluru To Ease Traffic Woes, Link Suburban Rail And National Highways