In a crucial development in the investigation of the high-profile murder case of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettaru, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended another suspect, identified as Atiq Ahmed. This arrest marks a significant step forward as Atiq has now been confirmed as the 21st accused in this chilling case that has sent shockwaves across political and social spheres in Karnataka.
Atiq Ahmed is alleged to have provided a haven for Mustafa Paichar, who is designated as the primary conspirator behind the gruesome murder of Praveen Nettaru. Reports indicate that Atiq’s associations with the Popular Front of India (PFI) played a pivotal role in facilitating Paichar’s actions. Following the murder, it is claimed that Ahmed assisted Paichar in fleeing the state, specifically aiding his escape to Chennai, as law enforcement agencies intensified their pursuit after the shocking incident.
The murder of Praveen Nettaru took place on July 26, 2022, in Bellare village, located in the Sulya taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. Members and sympathisers of the PFI allegedly targeted Nettaru as part of a broader agenda to instil fear among local populations and incite communal unrest. The cold-blooded nature of the killing has raised serious concerns regarding political violence and the implications of radicalisation in the region.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the NIA took over the investigation on August 4, 2022, aiming to unravel the conspiracy and bring all those involved to justice. As part of this ongoing inquiry, NIA officials have compiled and submitted a chargesheet against 23 individuals implicated in the case, many of whom are still at large. The agency is diligently continuing to track down and apprehend the remaining six accused who have evaded capture thus far.
In a separate but connected development, Mustafa Paichar was arrested by NIA officials in May 2024. His capture provided critical insights into the operational dynamics of the conspirators involved in Nettaru’s murder. With multiple arrests coming to light, the NIA has intensified its scrutiny of potential links between the accused and radicalised organisations that may be influencing acts of violence.
The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate loss of life; it highlights an alarming trend of political violence and communal strife that poses a substantial threat to social harmony in Karnataka. As investigations continue, the NIA’s determination to dismantle the network behind Nettaru’s murder reflects a broader commitment to addressing issues of radicalisation and political extremism in the country.
K Mohammed was arrested at IGI airport
On December 20, 2024, NIA officials apprehended Kodaje Mohammed Sharif, identified as the principal conspirator in the case. Sharif, a high-ranking member of the state executive of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), was arrested upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi after travelling from Bahrain.
The arrest of Mohammed Sharif represents a crucial turnaround in the investigation, especially as he had been on a lookout notice issued by the NIA. His apprehension is expected to shed light on the intricate planning and execution of the murder that has alarmed both local and national communities. According to NIA officials, Sharif was not only a prominent figure within the PFI but also served as the head of the organisation’s external service team, which has drawn the agency’s focus due to its alleged involvement in extremist activities.
Investigations reveal that under Mohammed Sharif’s leadership, the external service team of the PFI was involved in providing weapons training to its members at the Freedom Community Hall in Mittur near Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district. This training is believed to have been part of a broader campaign to empower members with skills to potentially carry out violent acts in furtherance of the group’s agenda.
The NIA has stated that Sharif played a critical role in the decision to murder Praveen Nettaru. He allegedly coordinated discussions within the PFI’s state executive committee, resulting in the directive to eliminate Nettaru, who was perceived as a significant threat to the organisation’s goals. Following these orders, the actual execution of the murder was reportedly carried out by Mustafa Paichar and his accomplices, who brutally attacked Nettaru.
Since assuming responsibility for the case, the NIA has made substantial progress, including the submission of a chargesheet against 23 individuals associated with the murder. Currently, the agency is actively pursuing leads to apprehend three absconding suspects, while 21 others have been arrested and are in custody, facing serious charges.
This case highlights the alarming trend of political violence in the coastal part of Karnataka and critical questions regarding the role of extremist organisations like the PFI. The ongoing investigation by the NIA illustrates the agency’s commitment to tackling issues surrounding radicalisation and violence, especially in politically sensitive regions like Karnataka.
The implications of this arrest may extend beyond the immediate parameters of the case, as it can catalyse renewed discussions about security measures surrounding political parties and their members. The community, still reeling from the aftershocks of Nettaru’s murder, is expected to monitor the NIA’s investigation closely, hoping that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
With Ateeq Ahmed’s arrest, the number of detained individuals has risen to 21 out of the 26 accused in the chargesheet. The release stated that the agency is continuing with its investigation to trace the remaining six accused, against whom rewards have been announced. The probe had also revealed that the assailants targeted Praveen to avenge the death of a Muslim youth killed in a road rage case.
The NIA had submitted 1,500 pages of the charge sheet, including statements of 240 witnesses. The move of the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) to announce the ticket for Shafi Bellare, an accused in the murder case of Praveen Kumar Nettare to contest assembly elections in Karnataka had stirred a debate. He contested from the jail and lost the deposit in the elections.
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