8 Arrested in Murder of Ex-Bajrang Dal Member Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru
Mangaluru police have arrested eight individuals, including the prime suspect, in connection with the brutal murder of former Bajrang Dal member Suhas Shetty, whose killing has reignited communal tensions in Dakshina Kannada district.
Shetty, 42, who was also a key accused in the 2022 Fazil murder case, was attacked and killed by a group of assailants near Kinnipadavu on Thursday evening.
City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal confirmed the arrests and said multiple special teams were formed to trace and apprehend the suspects swiftly. “We have arrested eight persons including the main accused. Investigations are ongoing to uncover all motives and affiliations,” he said.
The attack took place around 8.27 pm while Shetty was travelling in a car with five others. Their vehicle was intercepted by two other cars. Five to six armed men emerged and attacked Shetty with swords and sharp weapons. He was rushed to AJ Hospital but succumbed to injuries.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) have been imposed in Mangaluru until May 6. Public gatherings, processions, and dissemination of provocative content have been banned.
In response to the murder, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and affiliated groups called for a bandh across Dakshina Kannada on Friday. A near-total shutdown was observed in localities such as Hampankatta, Surathkal, Ullal, and Puttur.
Incidents of stone-pelting were reported on KSRTC and private buses, prompting suspension of services. Liquor sales were banned in sensitive zones as a precautionary measure.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and urge the public to maintain peace,” Commissioner Agarwal said. Additional police deployment has been made across potential flashpoints.
Suhas Shetty was a controversial figure with longstanding links to Hindutva organisations. He had five criminal cases registered against him—one in Dakshina Kannada and four in Mangaluru.
In 2022, Shetty gained national attention after being named one of the main accused in the murder of Mohammed Fazil, a Muslim youth whose death was believed to be a retaliatory act following the killing of BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru.
The Fazil case had significantly worsened communal relations in coastal Karnataka. With Shetty’s murder, fears of renewed unrest have resurfaced.
Police have assured strict enforcement of law and order, and appealed for communal harmony. “We will not allow the situation to spiral. Those involved will face strict action,” said a senior officer involved in the probe.
Intelligence agencies are also assessing whether the killing was linked to any organised retaliation or gang rivalry, with local political outfits calling for justice.
As investigations continue, authorities remain on high alert to prevent any further violence in the communally sensitive region.
