Mangaluru, India — Authorities in Karnataka have implemented prohibitory measures across Mangaluru following the shocking murder of a man tied to a high-profile homicide case. Suhas Shetty, in his early 30s, was brutally attacked by a group of five men armed with machetes and swords while on a busy street. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras, underscoring the brazen nature of the assault.
Shetty was reportedly linked to several local Hindutva organizations and had a history of legal troubles, including charges of assault and unlawful assembly. He was also a key figure in the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil, an event widely regarded as a retaliatory act following the assassination of BJP youth worker Praveen Nettaru.
In response to the violence, police enforced restrictions under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, barring public gatherings, processions, and the carrying of items that could potentially be used as weapons. The authorities view this move as necessary to prevent further unrest in a city already grappling with tensions.
According to police, early investigations indicate that the attack was premeditated, although the motive remains unclear. Ongoing inquiries aim to uncover the circumstances leading to this violent act as authorities seek to restore order.
Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara condemned the murder as “gruesome,” affirming that multiple task forces have been established to apprehend those responsible. “We are committed to ensuring justice and will not tolerate such acts of violence,” he said. He emphasized the administration’s efforts to foster peace in Dakshina Kannada, highlighting the undesirability of incidents that threaten community harmony.
In a grim coincidence, Shetty’s killing marks the second murder in Mangaluru within a week. On April 27, a young man named Ashraf was reportedly beaten to death over a dispute during a cricket match. Witnesses described how Ashraf was attacked while he crossed a field carrying a gunny bag and allegedly shouted provocative statements. Despite intervention attempts by bystanders, he sustained fatal injuries from the assault.
Following Ashraf’s murder, police had detained 25 individuals for questioning, ultimately arresting 20 as investigations progressed. Authorities remain focused on addressing the underlying issues fueling such violence, aiming to restore a sense of security within the community.
As police continue their search for answers in both incidents, officials face mounting pressure to ensure public safety and maintain peace in a region scarred by escalating violence.