Mangaluru: In the aftermath of the brutal murder of Suhas Shetty in Bajpe on Thursday, Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, has formally written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging an immediate transfer of the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

In his letter, Chowta expressed anger and described the killing as part of a recurring pattern of lawlessness and targeted violence in coastal Karnataka. He cited previous incidents, including the high-profile murder of BJP activist Praveen Nettar, and pointed to alleged involvement of radical organizations such as the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI). “This incident is not isolated,” Chowta wrote, adding that the killing has “shaken the people of the entire coastal Karnataka region to the core.”

“Suhas Shetty's family is devastated and is looking to us for justice. As their elected representative, and as someone who has personally witnessed the pain and desperation that grips the region today, I appeal to you with utmost urgency and sincerity, that this case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive and impartial investigation as there is a possibility of involvement of activists from the banned PFI organisation,” he added.

Taking to his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) account, Chowta further alleged a pattern of targeted attacks against Hindu activists during Congress rule in Karnataka. “Every time Congress comes to power, our region sees a rise in targeted killings of Hindu karyakartas,” he wrote. He warned that the method of Suhas Shetty’s killing is similar to earlier attacks, requiring a national-level investigation.

Meanwhile, the situation across Dakshina Kannada district remained tense on Friday, with incidents of stone-pelting and stabbing reported in some areas. Prohibitory orders, which were initially enforced within Mangaluru Commissionerate limits, have now been extended across the entire Dakshina Kannada district.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan M.P. has issued an order imposing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) throughout the district until May 5.

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Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.

Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.

He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.

He will then depart for Amethi.

In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.

According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.

Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.

According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.

Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.

During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.

Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.

Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.

Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.