A local court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of eight individuals linked to the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty near Bajpe, in Mangaluru.
The 50th CCH Court in Bengaluru approved a plea filed by NIA Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar, allowing the central agency to take the accused into its custody for further inquiry. The court has remanded them to NIA custody until July 1.
A separate FIR has been registered by the NIA to investigate the case independently. Earlier, a delegation from the state BJP met Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, requesting that the investigation be handed over to the central agency. The team included BJP state president Vijayendra, Opposition leader R Ashok, Council opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and several MLAs from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. They submitted a detailed four-page memorandum supporting the demand.
Investigations reveal that the murder conspiracy was planned three months ago. In January, Fazil — believed to be murdered in retaliation for the killing of Praveen Nettaru — had reportedly given Rs 3 lakh to Safwan’s gang through his brother Adil.
Two vehicles — a pickup truck and a Swift car — were used for the crime. A backup plan was reportedly ready in case Suhas Shetty escaped.
The prime suspect Safwan had allegedly been tracking Suhas’s movements for over two weeks. Two other suspects, Ranjith and Nagaraj from Kalasa, stayed at Safwan’s home during this period. Another accused, Azharuddin, tipped off the gang about Suhas’s location and travel timings.