Praveen Nettaru Murder: NIA Arrests Key Accused who helped chief conspirator escape
mangaloretoday.com
Bengaluru, January 22, 2025: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a key accused linked to the July 2022 murder of Praveen Nettaru, a BJP Yuva Morcha leader who was hacked to death in Bellare village, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Nettaru’s killing was allegedly carried out by cadres of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
The arrested individual, Ateeq Ahmed, is the 21st accused in the case. The NIA revealed that Ahmed, under the guidance of PFI leadership, had assisted Mustafa Paichar, identified as the chief conspirator, in evading law enforcement. Following the attack, Ahmed facilitated Paichar’s escape, transporting him to Chennai and helping him evade capture until Paichar’s arrest in May 2024.
The NIA stated that Paichar orchestrated and executed the murder as part of the PFI’s agenda to incite fear and communal unrest. Investigations revealed that PFI had organized clandestine groups called “PFI Service Teams” or “Killer Squads” to carry out targeted killings.
Thufail M H, a Kodagu district resident and a key figure in the PFI, allegedly led these teams and trained cadres in arms at the Freedom Community Hall in Dakshina Kannada district. According to the NIA, Thufail also sheltered the three assailants involved in Nettaru’s murder across Kodagu, Mysuru, and Tamil Nadu’s Erode district.
Another accused, Mahammad Jabir, who served as the PFI’s Puttur district president, reportedly participated in a meeting where Nettaru’s murder was planned. Jabir had made incendiary speeches, vowing to avenge the killing of Masood, allegedly murdered by individuals linked to right-wing groups.
In a separate development, the NIA arrested Riyaz Yousaf Haaralli, another suspect in the case, at Mumbai airport while he attempted to flee the country.
The PFI was banned in September 2022, and the NIA continues to pursue six remaining suspects, announcing rewards for information leading to their capture.