NIA Chargesheets 11 In Suhas Shetty Murder; Finds Larger Terror Conspiracy Behind Killing

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals in connection with the brutal murder of Suhas Shetty, uncovering what it describes as a meticulously planned act of terror aimed at spreading fear and unrest.

According to the NIA’s press release, the chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Bengaluru under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Arms Act, 1959.

Suhas Shetty, a member of the Bajrang Dal was hacked to death on 1 May 2025 by seven assailants armed with swords and machetes in a daylight attack that sent shockwaves across the region.

The agency revealed that Shetty had been under surveillance for several months, with the perpetrators carefully tracking his movements before executing the attack.

On the day of the murder, two vehicles trailed Shetty’s Innova, deliberately causing an accident and blocking escape routes before chasing him down and killing him.

The investigation identified Abdul Safwan Safwan, an ex-member of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), as one of the key conspirators.

Others named include Niyaz, Mohammed Musamir, Noushad, and Adil Maharoof — the latter allegedly financing the operation and recruiting accomplices through payments or personal vendettas against the victim.

The 11 accused — including Kalandar Shafi alias Mande Shafi, M Nagaraja alias Naga alias Appu, Ranjith, Mahammed Rizwan alias Rijju, Azaruddin alias Azar alias Ajju, and Abdul Khader alias Noufal are named in the chargesheet.

The NIA said its findings point to a wider conspiracy extending beyond personal animosity, reflecting organised efforts to create fear through targeted killings. It added that investigations are still ongoing against one more arrested individual, Abdul Razak.

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