Praveen Nettaru murder case: NIA to investigate, says Chief Minister Bommai

Praveen Nettaru murder case: NIA to investigate, says Chief Minister Bommai

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 29, 2022: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai today announced that the probe into the July 26 murder of BJP youth wing leader Praveen Nettaru will be handed over to National Investigation Agency (NIA).

 

There have been been two murders raising questions over law and order in Karnataka. While BJP leader Praveen Nettaru, 32, was killed on July 26 in Dakshina Kannada district, a man named Fazil, 23, was stabbed to death by masked attackers in Mangaluru yesterday evening.

The BJP leader’s murder sparked protests as BJP youth wing said CM Bommai was unable to protect his own party workers.

Two residents of Bellare have been arrested in connection with Nettaru’s murder, while investigation is on to catch the attackers of Fazil.

Praveen Nettaru’s murder in Bellare near Sullia town sparked protests, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad calling for a bandh in the area.

Some right-wing outfits alleged that Popular Front of India and Social Democratic Party of India are behind Nettaru’s murder. Police have since said the two men may have links with the PFI, but further probe is on.

As for Fazil’s murder, the savage attack was caught on a CCTV camera in the lane. The attackers, who had covered their faces with black clothes, repeatedly hit Fazil with a stick and then stabbed him. Even after he collapsed and a mannequin fell on him, one of the men continued to hit him.

Hundreds of people took part in the funeral procession of Fazil today. Karnataka Chief Minister said his government was not treating the case as an ordinary murder. The state government is going into the motive behind the crime. "For us, the life of every person is important. We treat everyone equally," the chief minister said.

The Chief Minister said that if the situation demands, the "Yogi mode" that exists in Uttar Pradesh will come into force in Karnataka too to deal with anti-national and communal elements that are trying to create unrest. He did not share details of what the "Yogi model" means.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Mangaluru till July 30 morning. No one will be allowed to roam in the city after 10 pm, said Shashi Kumar, the police chief in Mangaluru.

Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Congress’s Siddaramaiah has demanded the resignation of Mr Bommai, saying law and order in the state has "completely collapsed". The killings in the state show "intelligence failure", he said.