In a major development in the brutal murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, the Bajpe police have arrested three more individuals suspected to be involved in the premeditated killing that took place earlier this month near Bajpe on the outskirts of Mangaluru city. The murder, marked by its brutal execution and alleged communal overtones, has now seen a total of 11 accused arrested, as the investigation continues to unfold rapidly.
The latest arrests include Azharuddin alias Azhar alias Ajju (29), a resident of Kalavaru, Abdul Khader alias Naufal (24), a resident of Bajpe and Naushad alias Vamanjoor Naushad alias Chotte Naushad (39), a resident of Vamanjoor.
According to police sources, all three men played key roles in the planning and execution of the murder:
- Azharuddin, who has three previous theft cases registered against him in Panambur, Surathkal, and Mulki police stations, is believed to have provided critical intelligence on Suhas Shetty’s movements to the main perpetrators. He has been remanded to judicial custody.
- Abdul Khader allegedly served as the getaway driver, facilitating the escape of the killers after the attack. He and Naushad have been remanded to seven days of police custody for further interrogation.
- Naushad, who has six serious cases registered against him—ranging from attempted murder to criminal conspiracy—is accused of conspiring with the primary culprits to orchestrate the attack.
Chilling Details of a Planned Execution
Suhas Shetty was brutally hacked to death with a sword on the night of May 1, near Bajpe. According to the police, this was not a spontaneous act but a well-planned murder, hatched over several months. Investigation reveals that the plan to kill Shetty had been in motion since January.
Police sources have confirmed that Rs 3 lakh was allegedly provided by Fazil, his brother Mohammed Adil, who himself had been murdered in what was claimed to be retaliation for the killing of another Hindu youth, Praveen Nettaru. The money was reportedly handed over to Safwan’s team via an individual named Adil. The execution involved multiple vehicles, including a pick-up truck and a Swift car, and even included a Plan B, in case Shetty managed to escape.
Suspected PFI Links
The murder has sparked fierce political and communal debate, with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharan Pumpwell alleging that members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) were involved in orchestrating the murder. Speaking to Organiser.com, Pumpwell stated, “This killing follows a pattern seen in the past murders of Hindu leaders. It was professionally planned, with clear signs of training. One of the accused, Safwan, is said to have been sheltered in the house of a PFI activist.”
Though these allegations are yet to be officially confirmed by the authorities, the police have not ruled out the possibility of ideological or organisational involvement. They are actively probing connections to extremist groups.
A Community in Shock
The brutality of the murder, carried out in a public space and with alarming precision, has sent shockwaves through Mangaluru and across the state. The case has rekindled fears of targeted political or communal killings, and law enforcement agencies are under pressure to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Status
So far, 11 people have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigations are being supervised at a high level, with forensic and cyber experts assisting in tracking digital communications and financial transactions linked to the conspiracy.
Police have indicated that more arrests are likely in the coming days as they continue to unravel the network of those involved, directly or indirectly, in the killing of Suhas Shetty.
The authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation or communally charged content on social media, as tensions remain high in certain localities.
