By Kavita Mistry 
The murder of Suhas Shetty, a Hindu activist with a long criminal record, in Mangaluru was a case of revenge killing, Karnataka Police said, as more details emerged about the murder. According to police, this was the third attempt made by the assailants to target Shetty.
Shetty, the prime accused in the sensational 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil, was hacked to death with sharp weapons on the evening of May 1, leading to communal tensions in coastal Karnataka.
Police have arrested eight people, including the younger brother of Fazil, Adil Mehroof, who is alleged to have orchestrated the murder along with co-accused Abdul Safwan, Niyaz Ahmed, Mohammad Muzzammil, Khalandar Shafi, Ranjit, and Nagaraj.
According to Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, Adil paid Rs 5 lakh to the other accused to execute the killing. “Adil and Abdul Safwan had the same intention, and so they teamed up. It’s a mixed case of revenge killing,” he said.
The official added that the accused had made two earlier attempts to kill Shetty but failed; the May 1 attack was their third attempt, and this time, they succeeded.
After committing the murder, the assailants fled in a Swift car and went into hiding at a location between Bajpe and Udupi. They were later caught in Mangaluru, police said.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the arrest of eight individuals and announced that a permanent anti-communal task force would be set up, as the incident has triggered communal tension in the region.
“We are launching an anti-communal task force, just like how we created an anti-Naxal force. It will be on the lines of an anti-Naxal force, in coordination with the police. Those who commit communal violence and those who back it will be given strict punishment,” the minister said.
Following Shetty’s murder, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for a bandh on Friday, leading to the closure of shops across Mangaluru city. High-level police meetings were held to assess the situation, and state ministers reviewed security arrangements. Authorities appealed for calm and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence and disruption.
Shetty, a former member of the Bajrang Dal, had a long criminal history, with five cases of murder and robbery registered against him in Mangaluru and Belthangady taluks. According to police, he had been released from jail just a few days ago after serving a sentence for multiple offences.