In a shocking turn of events that has escalated communal tensions in coastal Karnataka, Suhas Shetty, a former Bajrang Dal member and the main accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammad Fazil, was brutally killed by a group of unidentified assailants on Thursday night on the outskirts of Mangaluru.
Shetty, who had multiple criminal cases against him and was recently out on bail, was travelling near Kinnipadavu in Bajpe around 8:30 pm on May 1 when his car was intercepted by two other vehicles. According to police reports, five to six men emerged and attacked him with swords and other sharp weapons. The assault was captured on video and has since circulated widely. Seriously injured, Shetty was taken to AJ Hospital, where he was declared dead.
The murder has reignited tensions in the communally sensitive Dakshina Kannada district. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed across Mangaluru until May 6 to avoid any potential outbreak of violence. Security forces have increased their presence in sensitive areas, and patrolling has been stepped up across the city.
Shetty Linked to Fazil Murder in Retaliation Case
Shetty had been accused of orchestrating the killing of 23-year-old Mohammad Fazil in Surathkal in July 2022. Fazil was reportedly murdered in retaliation for the killing of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru, an act attributed to members of the now-banned Popular Front of India. Fazil’s death triggered a wave of communal unease across the region.
Following Thursday’s incident, a large gathering of Hindu activists was seen outside the hospital. This prompted law enforcement to rush in with additional personnel. Leaders from the BJP and Hindu organisations, including MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and MLA Bharath Shetty, visited the scene and issued strong remarks. “A Hindu activist has been murdered in cold blood. This shows Hindus are no longer safe here,” said Bharath Shetty, also confirming that one of Suhas’s companions was injured.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that four special investigation teams had been created and a senior ADGP-rank officer had been deployed to oversee law and order. “We are taking this matter with utmost seriousness. Peace in Mangaluru is our priority,” he said.
CM Siddaramaiah Addresses the Incident
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while addressing the issue, highlighted that the motive was yet to be confirmed. “He had a history of criminal activity. Whether this was premeditated or a spontaneous attack, only a proper investigation can clarify,” he said. He also accused the opposition of politicizing such incidents, adding, “The BJP uses such events to provoke emotions. Has the Prime Minister responded to the Kashmir attack from 15 days ago?”
Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal confirmed that some of the suspects have been identified from the footage and a manhunt is underway. “While the motive is still unclear, this could be connected to past enmities,” he said. The authorities are treating the murder as potentially retaliatory and are exploring all possible angles.
Suhas Shetty, a resident of Bajpe, was previously charged in at least five criminal cases, including those involving robbery and homicide, according to police records. His connection with right-wing organisations and his central role in the Fazil murder had made him a contentious figure.
