Kohima (PTI): Benjamin Yepthomi was on Monday appointed the new president of the BJP Nagaland unit with immediate effect, a party official said.

Yepthomi, 45, replaces Temjen Imna Along as the new BJP Nagaland unit president.

"BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda has appointed Benjamin Yapthomi, as state president of Nagaland, BJP," stated an appointment order issued by BJP National general secretary and headquarters in charge, Arjun Singh on Monday.

Yepthomi has held various posts in the party organization. After serving the party as the state BJYM president for two consecutive terms he was made the vice president of BJP Nagaland in November 2021.

Taking to X, Yepthomi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh for giving him the responsibility to serve as the state BJP president.

"It is an honour and a privilege to continue serving the world's largest political party and the people," he wrote.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and outgoing BJP state president and minister Temjen Imna Along congratulated Yepthomi for being the new BJP president of the state.

Extending hearty congratulations, Rio on his X handle wished him a successful tenure.

Rio also extended good wishes for further success to the outgoing president Along.

Deputy CM and BJP Legislature Party leader, Y Patton said that Yepthomi has served the party holding various positions and is a hardworking karyakarta.

Patton expressed hope that with his vast knowledge of party affairs, his organizational skills and experience, Yepthomi would lead the party to greater heights.

Outgoing president Along congratulated Yepthomi and said, "Your vision and commitment will take BJP Nagaland to greater heights."

He wished him a successful tenure ahead.

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Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 14 (PTI): The Mangaluru City Crime Branch has arrested three men in connection with the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Azaruddin alias Azar alias Ajju (29), Abdul Khader alias Noufal (24) and Vamanjoor Noushad alias Chotte Noushad (39), were arrested during the last two days, they said.

With the fresh arrests, a total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with the murder so far, police said.

According to a police statement, Azaruddin had previously been booked in three theft cases registered at Panambur, Suratkal, and Mulki police stations. He allegedly provided information about Shetty's movements to the other accused, aiding in the murder.

Khader is said to have assisted the accused during their escape in a car after the murder was committed.

Noushad is accused of having conspired with the others and directly participated in the crime. He has six previous criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery conspiracy, registered at various police stations in Dakshina Kannada, police said.

Azaruddin has been remanded in judicial custody, while Khader and Noushad have been taken into police custody for seven days for further investigation.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace other accused involved in the case.

Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered by a group on May 1 within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru City.

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