NIA arrests key absconding accused in murder of BJP leader Praveen Nettaru
New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a key accused, who had been absconding for the last two years, in connection with its probe into the brutal murder of BJP leader Praveen Nettaru in Karnataka, officials said.
The accused, Abdul Rahaman, was taken into custody by the NIA team at the Kannur International Airport in Kerala on his arrival from Qatar, they said.
A total of four accused, including Rahaman and two other absconders, were chargesheeted by the NIA in the case in April this year, taking the total chargesheeted in the case to 28.
The NIA had also declared rewards for information relating to six absconders. Rahaman was carrying a reward of Rs four lakh for this arrest.
Investigations revealed that Rahaman, on directions of PFI leadership, voluntarily harboured the main assailants and others involved in the case, the agency said in a statement, adding that he fled to Qatar after the attackers were arrested.
Nettaru was killed with sharp weapons by PFI cadres/members on July 26, 2022, in Bellare village of Sullia Taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, the statement said.
The killing was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at striking terror among the people and unleashing communal hatred and unrest in the society, the NIA said.
The NIA, which re-registered the case on August 4, 2022, is trying to track down the remaining absconders.
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Kerala ADGP Mahipal Yadav dies in Jaipur on day of retirement ceremony
Thiruvananthapuram: Senior IPS officer and Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Mahipal Yadav passed away in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Wednesday. He had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. Yadav was due to retire from service on August 30, and a farewell function was scheduled to take place at the Kerala Police headquarters on the same day.
A 1997-batch IPS officer, Yadav last served as ADGP, Crimes, a post he was given in May 2025. Due to his illness, he had been on extended leave. Over the years, he held several key positions, including Excise Commissioner, IG Internal Security, IG Coastal Police, IG Training at the Kerala Police Academy, IG Crimes, IG Kannur Range, and IG BSF.
During his deputation with the CBI, Yadav investigated major cases such as the AgustaWestland helicopter deal and the inquiry into Mulayam Singh Yadav’s assets. For his service, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2013 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2024.
A condolence meeting is scheduled at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram at 4 pm on Wednesday.
