Mangaluru: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Ateeq Ahmed, the 21st suspect in connection with the murder of Praveen Nettaru in Bellare village, Dakshina Kannada district. Nettaru was brutally killed in July 2022, allegedly by members of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
According to an NIA statement, Ateeq played a crucial role in aiding Mustafa Paichar, the primary mastermind behind the murder. Acting under instructions from PFI leadership, Ateeq sheltered Mustafa and assisted in his escape. This included transporting him to Chennai and helping him evade capture until Mustafa was arrested in May 2024.
The NIA, which took over the investigation in August 2022, uncovered that PFI had formed covert groups, known as ‘PFI Service Teams.’ These teams were trained in weaponry and surveillance to carry out targeted killings, as part of the organization’s strategy to instill fear and incite communal tensions.
The investigation remains ongoing as the agency continues efforts to apprehend six more suspects in the case. Rewards have been announced for information leading to their capture.
The arrest of Ateeq marks a significant development in the quest for justice for Praveen Nettaru and highlights the NIA’s commitment to dismantling extremist networks.
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