Tensions are running high in
Karnataka’s Mangaluru following the brutal killing of Suhas Shetty, a former Bajrang Dal member and the prime accused in the 2022 high-profile Fazil murder case, on Thursday night.The incident, captured on CCTV footage, has sparked concerns over potential unrest and has prompted police to impose prohibitory measures across the coastal city from Friday until May 6.But who was Suhas Shetty? Why has his murder raised anxieties in Mangaluru? Here’s everything you need to knowSTORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADWho was Suhas Shetty?Suhas Shetty was a known rowdy sheeter with a criminal record that included five cases—four in Mangaluru City and one in the Dakshina Kannada district, according to The Times of India.More from Explainers
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After Pahalgam, India is pushing to add Pakistan on FATF’s grey list. How will it hurt Islamabad?Out of the five, he had been convicted in one, acquitted in two, while the remaining two—both murder cases—were still under trial, police said.Shetty was accused of orchestrating the brutal killing of 23-year-old Mohammed Fazil in July 2022. Fazil was attacked by a group of four masked men near a clothing store in Surathkal, in what was believed to be a revenge killing.Suhas Shetty. Image courtesy:X/BJPKarnatakaHis murder was allegedly carried out in retaliation for the earlier killing of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru, 32, in Bellare village.Shetty, who had ties to the Bajrang Dal, was arrested for his role in the Fazil case and later granted bail.Editor’s Picks1What is Karnataka’s ‘historic’ order on ‘right to die with dignity’?2Ex-Karnataka top cop stabbed to death in Bengaluru: Did wife attack him over property dispute?Because of his affiliations and involvement in a communally sensitive case, his own killing has raised serious concerns. Police have launched a manhunt to track down those responsible.What happened?The attack took place on the night of May 1, at around 8:27 pm, while Suhas Shetty was travelling in a car with five others near a village on the outskirts of Mangaluru.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADAccording to The Times of India, their vehicle was intercepted by two other vehicles—a Swift car and a pickup truck. Around five to six assailants reportedly got out and launched a violent assault.Shetty was attacked with a sword and other sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured on the road. He was immediately rushed to AJ Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.The entire incident was caught on CCTV, and investigators believe the assault was planned in advance. However, the exact motive behind the killing is still under investigation.“We don’t yet know if this was a revenge killing. The investigation will reveal more details. We’ve identified a few of the accused from visuals,” Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal said. “The body will be taken to Bantwal taluk in an ambulance. Peace is everyone’s responsibility.”A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station, and multiple police teams have been deployed to track down those involved. Mangaluru City Police is committed to ensuring swift justice and maintaining law and order, it said, adding that the investigations are ongoing.Mangaluru on alertTensions escalated in Mangaluru soon after Suhas Shetty’s death, as a large number of Bajrang Dal members gathered outside the hospital demanding a citywide bandh on Thursday. Reports also surfaced of stone-pelting incidents targeting buses in a few areas.The local unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for a bandh on Friday as well, from 6 am to 6 pm, further heightening concerns over law and order.In response, security across the city was ramped up. Police deployed heavy forces near the hospital and other sensitive zones, and imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in Mangaluru jurisdiction until May 6. Checkpoints were set up, and patrolling was intensified to prevent any untoward incidents.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADCity Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, who is also the additional district magistrate, issued prohibitory orders banning public gatherings, rallies, processions, sloganeering, and carrying objects that could be used as weapons. The move is aimed at maintaining peace and preventing further escalation in the wake of the killing.The murder has also sparked a political row.Top BJP leaders, including MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and MLA Bharath Shetty, along with members of Hindu groups, visited the hospital.“A Hindu worker was murdered today. It’s no longer safe for Hindus in this state. The police must act swiftly. Anti-social elements are being encouraged, leading to such incidents. This appears to be a planned murder. Another person in the car was also injured,” MLA Bharath Shetty was quoted as saying by ANI.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADMeanwhile, Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government was taking the matter seriously and working swiftly to restore calm.“Four teams have been formed. I have sent a senior ADGP-level officer to ensure peace is maintained, and additional forces have also been deployed,” he said. “We have taken this incident very seriously, and we are probing it. We want peace in Mangaluru.”With input from agenciesTagsIndiaKarnatakaEnd of Article
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Mangaluru on alert after murder-accused hacked to death: What’s going on?
