Bengaluru/Beltangady: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two more accused in the 2022 murder case of Praveen Nettaru, taking the total number of accused in custody to 23. The two men had allegedly been absconding for nearly four years before being apprehended in separate operations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Two absconding accused arrested
The arrested accused have been identified as Naushad (32), a resident of Poyyagudde in Padangady village of Beltangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, and Abdul Nasir (41), a resident of Somwarpet in Kodagu district.
According to reports, NIA officials arrested the duo in Kerala and Tamil Nadu before bringing them to Bengaluru for further investigation.
The arrests mark the latest breakthrough in the agency’s continuing investigation into the murder case that drew widespread attention across Karnataka.
Murder sparked statewide outrage
Praveen Nettaru, a member of a Hindu organisation and a poultry shop owner, was hacked to death with sharp weapons at Bellare in Sullia taluk on July 26, 2022.
The killing triggered widespread outrage across Dakshina Kannada and other parts of the state, prompting the then BJP-led Karnataka government to transfer the investigation to the National Investigation Agency.
Since taking over the probe, the NIA has been investigating the alleged conspiracy, execution of the crime and the involvement of various accused.
Chargesheet filed against 28 accused
The NIA has filed a chargesheet against 28 accused in connection with the murder case.
With the arrest of Naushad and Abdul Nasir, the total number of accused taken into custody has increased to 23, while five accused remain absconding.
The agency has continued its efforts to trace the remaining suspects through coordinated operations across multiple states.
Alleged role in helping assailants escape
According to investigators, Naushad allegedly played a key role in assisting the attackers after the murder.
The NIA has alleged that he acted as the driver who helped the assailants escape from the crime scene following the killing.
Both arrested accused are expected to be questioned further as investigators seek additional information regarding the alleged conspiracy and the whereabouts of the remaining absconding accused.
Search for remaining accused continues
The NIA had earlier issued a public notice announcing cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of the absconding accused in the case.
Officials said the latest arrests represent another significant development in the investigation, which remains ongoing.
The agency is continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining five accused and complete the investigation. As with all criminal cases, the allegations against the accused will be examined and determined through the judicial process.