Karnataka Police have launched a major investigation following the brutal murder of Suhas Shetty, a key accused in the 2022 Mohammed Fazil case. Shetty was hacked to death in broad daylight near Bajpe bus stand in Mangaluru on May 1. Authorities believe the killing was pre-planned, and four dedicated police teams have been formed to apprehend the culprits.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal confirmed Shetty was attacked by a group of armed men and died from his injuries in hospital. ADGP (Law & Order) Hithendra R stated that police have identified the suspects and are actively pursuing them.
The murder sparked public unrest, leading to incidents of stone pelting on four KSRTC buses in Pumpwell and Kankanady, prompting KSRTC to suspend suburban operations temporarily.
Shetty, who had five criminal cases, was convicted in one and was on trial in two others at the time of his death. In response to rising tensions, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS were imposed from May 2 to May 6.
In Udupi, two men—Sandesh and Sushant—were arrested for attempting to attack an autorickshaw driver named Aboobacker, allegedly in retaliation for Shetty’s murder. Both accused have prior criminal records, while Aboobacker has none.
Additionally, two separate stabbing incidents occurred in Mangaluru on May 2. Victims Naushad and Lukman were injured in unprovoked assaults, further deepening community tensions.
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