NIA Arrests Two More Accused in Praveen Nettaru Murder Case

NIA Arrests Two More Accused in Praveen Nettaru Murder Case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 12, 2026: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two more accused in the 2022 murder of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 23.

The arrested have been identified as Naushad (32), a resident of Poyyagudde in Padangady village of Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada and Abdul Nasir (41) of Somwarpet in Kodagu district. The duo, who had allegedly been absconding for nearly four years, were apprehended in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and brought to Bengaluru for further investigation.

Praveen Nettaru, a poultry shop owner, was hacked to death by armed assailants at Bellare in Sullia taluk on July 26, 2022. The incident sparked widespread outrage, prompting the then Karnataka government to transfer the investigation to the NIA.

The NIA has so far filed a chargesheet against 28 accused in the case. With the latest arrests, five accused remain absconding.

According to the agency, Naushad allegedly helped the assailants escape after the murder by driving the getaway vehicle. The NIA is continuing its investigation and is expected to further question both accused. Earlier, the agency had announced a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the absconding suspects.