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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Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
