CHENNAI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Mohammed Asim (39) from Thiruvottriyur, Chennai, on December 3, in connection with the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Kumar Nettaru. The arrest follows extensive searches conducted on December 5 at multiple locations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
https://twitter.com/Abitha96960262/status/1865650657610305682
The NIA, which took over the case from Karnataka’s Bellary police on August 4, 2022, has been investigating the brutal killing of Nettaru, who was hacked to death on July 26, 2022, allegedly by members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
NIA Conducts Searches at Multiple Locations in Tamilnadu & K’Nataka in Praveen Netataru Murder Case pic.twitter.com/o42MdauJYT
— NIA India (@NIA_India) December 5, 2024
During the searches at 16 locations linked to absconding accused, suspects, and their associates, the NIA seized a range of digital devices and incriminating documents. Premises searched included locations in Bengaluru and Kodagu in Karnataka, Ernakulam in Kerala, and Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
In Thiruvottriyur’s Radhakrishnan Nagar, officials searched premises linked to Mohammed Asim, who owns TC Traders Mats and Rugs in Tondiarpet. He is accused of sheltering suspects involved in the murder. The NIA seized materials from the premises and is interrogating Asim for further information.
The NIA has so far arrested 19 individuals in the case and filed charge sheets against 23 people, including four absconding accused. Non-bailable warrants and rewards have been issued against seven absconding suspects. Investigations continue as the NIA aims to dismantle the network behind the crime.
