The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to take over the investigation into the murder of Suhas Shetty, a former Bajrang Dal leader, which occurred in Mangaluru, Karnataka, on May 1, 2025. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assigned the probe to the NIA, marking a significant turn in the case that has drawn considerable attention and sparked communal tensions in the region.
Suhas Shetty, a known Hindutva activist and "rowdy sheeter" with a criminal record, was brutally murdered by a group of assailants near Bajpe. Initial police investigations led to the arrest of several individuals, revealing a motive rooted in revenge. According to the Mangaluru City Police, the crime was partly motivated by retaliation for a past attack on one of the accused by Suhas Shetty and his associates. Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal clarified that there was no immediate evidence to suggest a communal motive or links to any banned organizations during the initial investigation.
The police investigation has led to multiple arrests. Eight individuals were initially apprehended, including Abdul Safwan, the alleged mastermind who had reportedly survived a previous murder attempt by Suhas Shetty, and Adil Mehroof, the brother of Mohammed Fazil (who was murdered in 2022), who allegedly provided financial support for the crime. Later, three more individuals—Azharuddin, Abdul Khader, and Naushad—were arrested for their involvement in the conspiracy, providing information, and aiding the assailants' escape.
The murder of Suhas Shetty and the subsequent arrests have triggered a complex web of accusations and demands. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindu Jagran Vedike (HJV) have been vocal in their demands for an NIA investigation, alleging the involvement of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). They cited similarities between the modus operandi in Shetty's murder and previous crimes attributed to PFI, suggesting a larger conspiracy and the presence of significant financial backing. These groups have questioned the effectiveness and impartiality of the local police investigation, accusing political interference and alleging that the real culprits may still be at large.
Adding to the complexity, U.T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and a Mangaluru MLA, has faced accusations from BJP leaders of influencing the police investigation following the arrest of Adil Mehroof. Khader refuted these claims, asserting his commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring a thorough investigation, regardless of the agency involved.
Initially, there was resistance to the idea of handing the case over to the NIA. Dakshina Kannada district-in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that the state police were competent to handle the investigation and saw no immediate need for NIA involvement. However, given the persistent demands, rising concerns, and the case's sensitive nature, the government has ultimately decided to transfer the investigation to the NIA.
The NIA's involvement signifies a potential shift in the investigation's scope and direction. With its specialized expertise and resources in handling terror-related and complex criminal cases, the NIA may delve deeper into the possible involvement of organized groups, uncover any hidden motives, and address concerns of a broader conspiracy.
As of May 20, 2025, one of the accused, Naushad, was attacked by inmates inside a Mangaluru prison, highlighting the tensions surrounding the case. In response, authorities have transferred several suspects to different prisons across the state to prevent further incidents. The state-wide public campaign was planned by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal on May 20, demanding that the investigation into Suhas Shetty murder case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The NIA probe into the Suhas Shetty murder case is expected to bring greater clarity, address the various concerns raised by different groups, and ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the crime.
