Businessman and social worker Shafi Nandavar has firmly dismissed allegations linking him to the death of entrepreneur Mumtaz Ali, whose body was discovered in the Kulur river on October 6, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing, he asserted that he had no involvement in the incident but was unjustly implicated, detained, and incarcerated for 100 days.

Nandavar, who has served in leadership roles across various religious and charitable organizations, including Nandavar Mosque and Shamsul Ulama Education Trust, insisted that he had never interacted with Mumtaz Ali or Ayesha Rehmat, the main accused. Despite this, he was drawn into the case and subjected to a smear campaign on social media, damaging his public image.

“I have never exploited anyone, yet I was framed as part of a blackmail scheme. My arrest not only shattered my reputation but also caused unbearable distress to my family,” he lamented. His children endured ridicule from peers, and his household lost its standing in the community.

Though the Karnataka High Court granted an injunction on February 12, 2025, Nandavar said he still faces lingering suspicion. “The pain of false accusations is unimaginable. Those who spread lies will only understand when they experience similar suffering,” he stated.

Urging authorities to conduct a thorough review, he hopes for complete vindication. “Justice delayed is torment,” he concluded.