Mangalore, India — Authorities have arrested a 21st suspect in connection with the 2022 killing of Praveen Nettaru, a young leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, highlighting ongoing efforts to address extremist activities in the region. Nettaru was tragically slain by assailants on motorcycles in the town of Bellare, setting off a series of investigations led by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Ateeq Ahmed, the latest detainee, is alleged to have assisted the mastermind of the murder, Mustafa Paichar, by helping him evade police capture. Investigations indicate that Ahmed facilitated Paichar’s escape to Chennai and provided shelter, a move that delayed his capture until May 2024. This arrest underscores the complexity of the network involved in the crime.
The NIA has uncovered evidence suggesting that the murder was an orchestrated act by the Popular Front of India (PFI), intended to stir communal discord and instill fear among the community. The agency’s findings note the existence of clandestine groups within PFI, described as “Service Teams” or “Killer Squads”, trained explicitly for executing targeted assassinations.
Further investigations shed light on the role of Kodaje Mohammed Sherif, a high-ranking PFI State Executive Committee member. Sherif reportedly oversaw the training of these “Service Teams” in weaponry at the Freedom Community Hall in Mittur. He is also accused of coordinating the execution plans, which led to the brutal attack on Nettaru.
According to the NIA, the prime objective behind this conspiracy was to propagate terror and deepen communal rifts within society. These revelations highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling ideologically motivated violence.
The investigation has not only exposed the operational tactics of extremist outfits but also stressed the urgency for greater intelligence and coordinated efforts at both state and national levels to prevent such targeted killings in the future.
The series of arrests and ongoing investigations into Praveen Nettaru’s murder reflect a critical phase in India’s fight against domestic terrorism, aiming at dismantling the networks capable of such societal disruptions. While the apprehension of these suspects marks progress, it also serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threats and the need for vigilance among communities vulnerable to such violent ideologies.
As the case continues to unravel, it has ignited broader discussions on security measures and the impact of extremist groups on national stability. The community, while shaken, remains hopeful that justice for Nettaru and a restoration of peace will be firmly established through these legal proceedings.