Mangaluru is reeling from the violent death of Suhas Shetty, a former Bajrang Dal member and the main accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil. On the evening of May 1, while traveling with five companions near Kinnipadavu, Shetty’s vehicle was ambushed by assailants wielding swords and sharp weapons. Despite being rushed to AJ Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Shetty, 42, had a history of criminal activity with five cases registered against him. His alleged involvement in Fazil’s murder, perceived as a retaliatory act following the killing of BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru, had already heightened communal tensions in the region.
In response to Shetty’s murder, Mangaluru authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, effective until May 6. Public gatherings, protests, and inflammatory content are banned to prevent further unrest. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other Hindu organizations have called for a bandh, leading to shutdowns in several areas and incidents of violence, including stone-pelting on buses.
Police have registered a case at Bajpe Police Station and are actively investigating the incident. Multiple teams have been formed to apprehend the perpetrators. The situation remains tense, with authorities urging the public to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could escalate communal discord.
