The Union Home Ministry has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty in Karnataka’s Mangaluru last month.
According to the home ministry’s communique, the anti-terror agency will probe the case related to the "targeted killing" of Shetty "with the intention to create terror in the minds of people".
Shetty was killed at Kinnipadavu in Bajpe on the outskirts of Mangaluru on May 1 when he was travelling in a vehicle with his friends.
According to reports, five to six assailants, who came in a car and a pick-up vehicle, intercepted and attacked Shetty with sharp weapons, causing grievous injuries. He was rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Karnataka Police have so far arrested 13 people in connection with the murder.
Citing a home ministry communique in this regard, the sources said the accused involved in the murder case are allegedly members of the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned outfit.
Police said Shetty (42) was reportedly associated with various local Hindutva groups and had several cases registered against him, including for assault, murder and unlawful assembly.
He was a key accused in the murder of Fazil in 2022, a case that intensified communal tensions in the region.
Shetty’s murder has triggered widespread unrest across Dakshina Kannada district, prompting police to enforce prohibitory orders and suspending public transport.
