Authorities in Mangaluru, Karnataka have detained eight suspects tied to the assassination of Hindu figurehead, Suhas Shetty. The apprehended are identified as Abdul Safwan (29), Niyaz (28), Mohammed Muzzammil (32), Kalandar Shafi (31), Mohammed Rizwan (28), Adil Mehroof, Ranjeet (19), and Nagaraj (20), residing in Bajpe, Mangaluru, and Kalasa, Chikmagalur. An investigation is actively underway by law enforcement.
The Karnataka Home Minister, G Parameshwara, announced the establishment of a permanent communal anti-hate task force to tackle events driven by sectarian animosity. Anupam Agarwal, the city’s police commissioner, confirmed the arrests concerning Suhas Shetty's murder, anticipating more apprehensions soon, with six accused directly involved in executing the homicide.
In this matter, Abdul Safwan is declared the principal offender. A prior murder attempt case was recorded against him in 2023. Allegedly, Suhas Shetty orchestrated a vicious assault on Safwan in collaboration with his associates, Prashant and Dhanraj. In fear of potential future attacks, Safwan orchestrated a scheme to eliminate Shetty, having failed twice before.
Revealing the murder conspiracy, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that Abdul Safwan had contacted Adil Mehroof, brother to a previous murder victim in Mangaluru, Fazil. Adil allegedly promised Safwan a sum of 500,000 rupees to execute the murder. Upon receiving an advance payment of 300,000 rupees, Safwan assembled his team to undertake the assault.
Authorities indicated that financial disputes and personal vendettas formed the core of the murder plot’s framework. Continued surveillance is tracking all crime-related transactions and communications. Late Thursday night, Suhas Shetty was fatally attacked by an unidentified group within the jurisdiction of Bajpe police station, Mangaluru City. The assailants subsequently fled in a swift car, concealing themselves at an undisclosed location between Bajpe and Udupi.
Home Minister G Parameshwara stated the inception of a communal anti-task force specifically for Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, reminiscent of the anti-Naxal forces. "The force will be led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), operational permanently in these districts," he asserted. Previously, these regions were favored for their peaceful ambiance, resourceful inhabitants, and hospitality, he noted.
The minister lamented, "It's distressing to witness the tarnishing of these districts' image due to communal forces and their inflammatory, violent actions. Yet, we are committed to restoring their tranquility and reputation via several initiatives, beginning with the communal anti-task force." Emphasizing the absence of known Naxal movements, Parameshwara indicated, "The anti-Naxal force's size and responsibilities will be scaled down."
