The shocking murder of Bajrang Dal member Suhas Shetty has left Mangaluru reeling and intensified tensions across Karnataka. A key detail that stirred controversy was a viral video showing two women in burqas assisting the attackers after the strike.

Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal has now confirmed the women’s identities, dispelling public speculation. “They are relatives of accused Niaz and were nearby on personal business,” he stated, ending wild theories about their role.

Captured on CCTV, the brutal scene shows Suhas being hacked with a long sword-like talwar in broad daylight. The women were seen helping the assailants into a getaway vehicle — a moment that caught widespread public attention and raised troubling questions.

Investigators suspect revenge as the motive. Suhas was the main accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil in Suratkal, which itself was believed to be retaliation for BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru’s death. Abdul Safwan, Fazil’s associate, feared Suhas might strike again and allegedly orchestrated the killing.

Safwan gathered a team and contacted Adil, Fazil’s brother, who had previously plotted Fazil’s murder. A ₹5 lakh deal was struck — ₹3 lakh paid upfront.

Eight people are now in custody, including Safwan, Saudi-based salesman Mohammed Muzammil, and Rizwan from Jokatte. Others named are Kalandar Shafi, Ranjit Nagaraj, and Adil Mahroof.

Police maintain this was a premeditated act, not random violence, and warn against fuelling communal narratives. They continue to urge the public to stay calm as justice takes its course.