Three key accused involved in the murder of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) leader Praveen Nettaru were arrested by the police from Talapady on the Karnataka-Kerala border on Thursday, 11 August.
The three accused have been identified as Shia, alias Shiabuddin, Bashir, and Riyaz Anthadka.
Additional Director General of Police Alok Kumar said:
"Dakshina Kannada police have secured the three persons who were part of the hit squad in Bellare case in the murder of Praveen Nettaru. We had definite information so we have arrested them from Talapady on the Karnataka-Kerala border."
All the three key accused are natives of Dakshina Kannada district. Seven others were previously arrested for conspiracy and allegedly conducting recce on behalf of the assailants.
Kumar said that the accused will be thoroughly questioned on their intentions behind targeting Nettaru.
"They will be questioned as to who else had helped them, which places they went, who gave them shelter and assisted them financially. All these things will be probed and after that we will hand over them to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as the government has already ordered giving the case to the NIA," Kumar added.
Additionally, he said that six vehicles, five two-wheelers and a four-wheeler, were used in committing the murder.
Total 8 Persons Arrested
A total of eight people have been arrested so far over the killing of the BJYM leader. On Sunday, 7 August, two more people were arrested in connection with Nettaru’s murder from Gaurihole in Bellare.
Previously, Saddam, Harris, Zakir, and Shafique had been arrested in connection with the case. Zakir has a criminal case against him and has links with the Popular Front of India (PFI), as per the police.
The Murder
BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru was murdered by bike-borne assailants in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district on 26 July.
The 32-year-old had closed his poultry shop, Akshaya Poultry Farm, and was returning home when the attackers charged at him with a machete.
Tensions gripped Bellare after the murder as the police reportedly shut down all shops, establishments, and hotels in the area amid protests.
Several Hindutva organisations launched demonstrations against the murder, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for a bandh in Kadaba, Suliya, and Puttur to protest Nettaru's killing.
Instances of stone-pelting and police lathicharge were also reported from the district on 27 July, amid the uproar.
(With inputs from PTI.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)