Tensions hit Mangaluru following the cold-blooded murder of Suhas Shetty, a former activist of Bajrang Dal and the prime accused in the sensational Fazil murder case. Unidentified men attacked him at the outskirts of the city, leading to anger and demands for a more detailed probe. As a response, authorities enforced stringent prohibitory orders throughout the area to ensure law and order.
Violent Attack Near Kinnipadavu
As per Mangaluru police, the attack took place at around 8:27 PM near Kinnipadavu when Shetty was riding in a car with five others. Two cars blocked their path, and five to six attackers, who were carrying swords and sharp weapons, attacked Shetty with lethal force. He was rushed to AJ Hospital but was pronounced dead because of the seriousness of his injuries.
The attack has been reported to Bajpe Police Station, and the police have set up several teams to identify the attackers and bring them to custody.
Who Was Suhas Shetty?
Suhas Shetty, 42, was a familiar name in coastal Karnataka politics, particularly given his ties with Hindutva organizations such as the Bajrang Dal. His name hit national headlines in 2022 when he featured among the key accused in the murder of Mohammed Fazil, a 23-year-old Muslim youth from Katipalla’s Mangalapete neighborhood.
Fazil’s killing followed mere days after the assassination of BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru, sparking suspicion of retaliatory intentions and communal tensions in all of Karnataka’s coastal districts.
Police had previously classified Shetty as a rowdy-sheeter with five criminal cases filed against him, one in Dakshina Kannada and four in Mangaluru city.
Authorities Enforce Prohibitory Orders
After Shetty’s murder, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal had issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS). The restrictions prohibit public meetings, demonstrations, and the spread of inflammatory material until May 6, in an effort to stop further tension.
Bandh and Uproar Across Dakshina Kannada
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other right-wing groups organized a bandh throughout Dakshina Kannada on Friday to protest against the killing of Shetty. The closure witnessed widespread participation, with commercial activities crippled and streets deserted in towns such as Hampankatta, Surathkal, Ullal, and Puttur.
Incidents of stone pelting on KSRTC and private buses were reported during the bandh, prompting authorities to suspend transport services in suburban regions. Police also enforced a liquor ban across sensitive zones as a precautionary measure.
Political and Public Outcry
In response to the attack, political officials and local organizations called for a central agency inquiry citing fears about the increasing violence in the region. The killing once again threw focus on boiling communal tensions and security issues in Mangaluru.
