Days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formally took over the probe into the brutal murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, explosive details have emerged exposing the direct involvement of individuals linked to the banned radical Islamic organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI). The revelations point to both local and foreign funding sources used to orchestrate the killing, which was meticulously planned over months.
According to multiple reports, the NIA has confirmed that a majority of those arrested in the Suhas Shetty murder case have links with PFI, which was banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its extremist and anti-national activities. The investigation has uncovered a financial trail that spans across borders. Money was found to have been deposited into the bank accounts of the arrested terrorists from both domestic and overseas sources.
The central agency is closely examining the financial transactions of the 12 terrorists who are now in custody. The NIA suspects that apart from local radicalised elements, PFI operatives based abroad also played a role in facilitating the murderers by providing funds. The bank accounts of the murderers as well as their family members are now under scrutiny.
The shocking murder of Suhas Shetty occurred on 1st May 2025, when a group Islamic terrorists hacked him to death in the Bajpe locality of Mangaluru, Karnataka. The gruesome attack, caught on camera, sparked outrage across the state. Shetty, known for his affiliation with Hindu organisations, succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to a hospital.
Investigations have revealed that the plot to kill Suhas Shetty was hatched at least three months in advance. In January 2025, murderer Adil Mehroof handed over ₹3 lakhs to the gang led by Abdul Safwan to carry out the killing. The plan involved a detailed recce of Suhas Shetty’s movements, conducted over 15 days by Safwan himself. In case the primary murder plan failed, a ‘Plan B’ was also in place.
PFI terrorist Azhar Kalavar played a critical role by providing information about Shetty’s arrival in Bajpe and his associates. Two vehicles were used to execute the crime.
The NIA has arrested the following individuals in connection with the murder: Adil Mehroof, Abdul Safwan, Niyaz, Mohammed Mussammir, Kalandar Shafi, Mohammed Rizwan, M. Nagaraj, Ranjith, Azhar Kalavar, Naushad, Abdul Khader, and Abdul Razak. The arrests occurred in multiple phases, with the first eight taken into custody on 3rd May, three more on 15th May, and the twelfth accused nabbed on 3rd June.
The NIA has taken over all case materials from the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) and is now leading the probe. Eight prime terrorists are currently under NIA custody till July 1, undergoing intense interrogation.
Sources close to the investigation confirm that during questioning, some of the terrorists admitted to receiving support from former PFI associates now living abroad. This has led to a deeper inquiry into the international connections of the banned Islamic outfit, which continues to operate covertly despite its prohibition.
NIA DIG Rahul and SP Shivakumar have been fully briefed on the case. A dedicated team led by DySP Pawan Kumar is steering the investigation, focusing particularly on financial flows that point to an organised conspiracy.
Earlier, Hindu groups and BJP leaders had questioned the narrative suggesting that the murder was only locally funded. They asserted that foreign hands and the banned PFI were involved, a claim now seemingly validated by the NIA’s findings.
As the probe deepens, the murder of Suhas Shetty is increasingly being seen not as an isolated act of violence, but a calculated terror conspiracy aided by banned extremist elements with cross-border support.
