Bengaluru: In a major development in the investigation into the brutal murder of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday launched simultaneous raids at 16 different locations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The raids, which were part of a high-stakes operation to track down the absconding accused, are seen as a significant step in dismantling the terror network behind the murder.
The Targeted Raids and Their Scope
The NIA teams carried out operations in Bengaluru, Dakshina Kannada ,Kodagu, Ernakulam, and Chennai. According to sources, the raids were aimed at gathering critical information on the six accused who remain on the run, believed to be the masterminds behind the murder of Praveen Nettaru. These individuals, whose identities have been revealed in the ongoing investigation, are suspected of having fled the country and are thought to be coordinating operations from abroad, potentially through a network of local operatives.
The NIA’s investigation into the case has uncovered disturbing evidence that the accused are in constant communication with various local individuals across the region. This suggests a complex web of operatives working to carry out their mission of violence and terror. The authorities are focusing their efforts on uncovering the extent of the network and its connections within South India, as well as abroad.
The Investigation into the Brutal Murder of Praveen Nettaru
Praveen Nettaru was murdered in cold blood on the night of July 26, 2022, when two assailants on a motorcycle attacked him in Bellare, a town in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Nettaru, a popular leader of the BJP’s youth wing, was targeted in a meticulously planned attack, which investigators later discovered was linked to revenge for a previous incident of violence.
Initially, the case was investigated by local police, who formed special teams to look into the matter. However, due to the political and communal undertones of the crime, the case was eventually handed over to the NIA. Since then, the agency has made significant progress, filing a 1,500-page chargesheet in a special court in Bengaluru and naming 20 individuals in connection with the murder.
As of today, 19 individuals have been arrested, and the NIA continues its pursuit of the six absconding suspects. The agency has also filed charges against 23 individuals and has issued non-bailable warrants for the seven who remain at large.
Raids on Key Locations Linked to the Accused
The NIA raids targeted homes and properties linked to the absconding suspects and their associates. In Dakshina Kannada, where the murder occurred, the agency conducted searches at several properties in Belthangady, Sullia, and Keyyuru. Key locations raided included the house of Umar in Keyur, the brother of one of the accused, Siddique, who remains on the run. The NIA had previously announced a reward of Rs. 2 lakh for information leading to Siddique’s arrest.
Further, a significant raid was carried out at the residence of Naushad in Padangadi, a village in Belthangady taluk. Sources suggest that Naushad’s family members fled the house after learning about the raid and locked the premises. However, NIA teams, assisted by local police, were able to track down his mother and sister through mobile location data. Despite the family’s attempt to avoid arrest, the agency conducted a thorough search of the property and seized several documents and digital devices that could provide crucial leads.
In addition to these, the NIA also conducted a search in Madadka village in Belthangady, where investigators focused on a key suspect reportedly seen in an auto rickshaw carrying documents that may have been linked to the crime. The operation, which lasted for several hours, yielded further evidence, and investigators are now examining the documents and items seized during the raids.
The Broader Terror Network: Foreign Links and Local Operatives
The raids are not just about finding the individuals involved in Nettaru’s murder, but also about uncovering the larger terror network that may be behind these violent acts. Sources within the NIA suggest that there are foreign links to the group responsible for the killing, raising concerns over the international dimensions of the operation.
The NIA is examining the possibility that the individuals involved in the murder, while operating locally in South India, have international connections, perhaps in the Middle East or other regions where extremist groups operate. This potential foreign connection adds a layer of complexity to the investigation and heightens the urgency of the NIA’s mission.
The arrested individuals are believed to have been part of a larger network aiming to disrupt peace and instigate communal violence in the region. The NIA has previously mentioned that the murder was not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy to target political leaders and instigate fear among communities. As such, dismantling the network and bringing all those involved to justice is a top priority for the agency.
NIA’s Efforts and the Public’s Role in the Investigation
The NIA’s efforts to combat terrorism and bring the killers of Praveen Nettaru to justice have been widely appreciated. The agency’s relentless pursuit of the truth has involved close coordination with local law enforcement agencies, as well as the use of advanced investigative tools, including phone tracking and digital forensics.
Speaking about the ongoing operation, NIA officials emphasized that they would leave no stone unturned in their quest to bring the remaining suspects to justice. “We are committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to account,” said one NIA officer. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”
The NIA has also reiterated its call for assistance from the public, offering rewards for information on the whereabouts of key suspects such as Siddique and Naushad. The agency has made it clear that anyone who helps in the capture of these individuals will be duly rewarded and protected.
Securing Justice for Praveen Nettaru
The NIA’s raids represent a significant step toward bringing closure to the tragic death of Praveen Nettaru, a young leader whose loss has been deeply felt by his family, the BJP, and the people of Karnataka. However, the investigation is far from over. With several key suspects still on the run, the NIA’s work is ongoing. The agency’s top priority is to track down these criminals and dismantle their network, ensuring that justice is served.
The people of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, along with the entire nation, are watching closely as the NIA continues its mission. The ultimate goal is not only to secure justice for Praveen Nettaru’s family but also to send a strong message that terrorism, in any form, will not be tolerated. The NIA’s actions today are a testament to the agency’s dedication to upholding the law and securing a peaceful future for all citizens.
As the investigation progresses, the NIA is expected to continue with more raids, arrests, and searches, as it works to bring those responsible for the murder and their larger terror network to justice. The message is clear: the perpetrators will not escape the long arm of the law.
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