Mangaluru, India — The murder of Suhas Shetty, a man facing charges in connection with multiple violent incidents, has escalated tensions in this coastal city of Karnataka. Eyewitnesses reported that Shetty was brutally attacked by a group of men armed with machetes and swords on a busy street, an incident that was captured on nearby surveillance cameras.
Authorities are investigating claims that the attack was orchestrated by contract killers hired by the family of one of Shetty’s former victims. Two suspects arrested in connection with the case indicated they were paid for the hit, allegedly on behalf of the family of Mohammed Fazil, who was murdered in 2022. This murder was widely viewed as retaliation for the killing of Praveen Nettaru, a BJP youth worker, in which Shetty was identified as a key suspect.
The investigation revealed that one suspect claimed to have received 300,000 rupees for the crime, while another stated he was paid 200,000 rupees. Police are currently verifying the credibility of these assertions. Authorities are also exploring whether compensation money given to Fazil’s family is being utilized in this manner.
In the aftermath of Fazil’s death, community organizations pledged significant financial support to his family. The Muslim Central Committee announced a commitment of 3 million rupees, while the ruling Congress party allocated 2.5 million rupees as compensation following their election victory.
Local law enforcement has responded to the rising tensions in Mangaluru by enforcing prohibitory orders, which restrict large gatherings and public assembly in an effort to maintain peace and order. The murders underscore an ongoing cycle of violence in the region, raising concerns about safety among residents and the potential for further retaliatory actions.
As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with the implications of this violence and the deep-seated issues that contribute to such tragic events. The situation remains fluid, with police conducting further inquiries to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding Shetty’s death and the motives behind it.