In the aftermath of the brutal murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty near Bajpe in Mangaluru, the Karnataka BJP delegation has officially petitioned Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the incident. The delegation, including BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka, and Council opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, submitted a detailed four-page memorandum highlighting the gravity of the case and the alleged deep-rooted conspiracy behind the killing.
On the night of May 1, Suhas Shetty was hacked to death with swords by a group of assailants in Bajpe. The Mangaluru police have arrested eight accused, including Safwan, Adil Mehroof, Niyaz, Rizwan, Musmeer, Kalandar Shafi, Ranjith, and Nagaraj. However, BJP leaders, Hindu organisations, and locals believe that the case extends far beyond these arrests, hinting at a deeper, organised terror network, possibly with links to banned outfits like the Popular Front of India (PFI).
BJP’s Key Allegations and Demands
The BJP’s memorandum to the Governor strongly criticises the Karnataka state government’s “soft approach” toward the case. They argue that the investigation being handled by local police has not inspired public confidence, particularly given the suspected involvement of radical Islamist networks.
“The murder was not a spontaneous act of violence, but a meticulously planned execution,” the BJP leaders stated, citing intelligence and witness inputs.
A conspiracy was allegedly hatched three months ago, in January, when Adil Mehroof, the brother of slain PFI activist Fazil, reportedly handed over Rs 3 lakh to Safwan to execute the murder.
Multiple vehicles were arranged—including a Swift car and a pickup truck—for the operation, and the perpetrators had even prepared a Plan B in case Suhas Shetty escaped the initial attack.
For over 15 days, Safwan tracked Suhas Shetty’s movements. He even stationed two men, Ranjith and Nagaraj, at his house to observe and strategise.
It is alleged that Azharuddin, a local informant, played a key role by supplying details on Suhas’s movements and location.
Links to Banned Organisation PFI?
VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell went on record asserting that the murder bore the hallmarks of a PFI-style operation. He claimed there were striking similarities between the Suhas Shetty murder and the previous killings of Hindu leaders like Praveen Nettaru.
He alleged that Safwan had resided in the house of a known PFI activist. The method of killing, the coordination, and the apparent training received by the attackers point to terror-style execution, he argued.
Adding weight to these suspicions is the possibility of foreign funding. Investigators are now probing whether money was routed from abroad to finance the murder. According to sources, the police scrutinise several suspicious bank accounts linked to the accused.
High-Level Planning: Party, Logistics, and Escape
Before the murder, the accused reportedly held a lavish party at a resort in Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru, on April 2, allegedly using funds given by Adil Mehroof. Photos of the accused partying have now surfaced, triggering suspicions about a celebration or meeting linked to the murder planning.
Police believe that such gatherings were used not just to plan logistics but to motivate and reward the killers. They are also investigating if other yet-to-be-identified conspirators attended these parties.
Further, after the killing, the attackers allegedly discussed surrendering to the police, indicating prior legal planning and backing, raising questions about the presence of “unseen hands” guiding and shielding the attackers.
BJP’s Strong Message to the State
Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, BJP leaders clarified that they do not trust the ongoing police probe and reiterated the demand for the NIA to take over.
They also demanded:
- Arrests of those who funded, sheltered, or aided the killers.
- Investigation into burqa-clad women suspected of assisting in the operation.
- Immediate suspension of police officials found to have delayed or mishandled aspects of the probe.
“We are giving the police three to four days. If justice is not served, we will intensify our agitation. Tomorrow, BJP MLAs from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will meet the Governor again along with our state leadership,” V. Sunil Kumar, BJP MLA and state general secretary, announced.
