NIA arrests two key absconders in Praveen Nettaru murder case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two key absconding suspects in one of Karnataka’s major political murder cases on Saturday. Abdul Nasir P, also known as Nasir, was caught in Kochi, Kerala, and Naushad was arrested in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The operation was planned and carried out in two states after the Andhra Pradesh police provided actionable intelligence.
These arrests bring the total number of people in custody for the 2022 murder of BJP leader Praveen Nettaru to 25. Three suspects are still on the run. The NIA said both men had already been chargesheeted in the case (RC-36/2022/NIA/DLI) for knowingly helping the main attackers.
It may be recalled that Praveen Nettaru, a District Executive Committee member of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Dakshina Kannada, was killed in a targeted attack in 2022. During the course of the investigation, the NIA found that members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) were behind the murder. The agency had already invoked sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against those named in the chargesheet, including the two men who were just arrested.
Before these arrests, the NIA Special Court in Bengaluru had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) and an open-ended warrant for both men. The agency also offered a reward of Rs 4,00,000 for information leading to each arrest. This operation shows how well central and state agencies can work together and share information quickly.
These arrests are an important step toward accountability in a case that caused widespread anger in coastal Karnataka. The NIA said it is still working to find and arrest the remaining three suspects. The agency also reiterated its promise to fully investigate every aspect of the case, including the conspiracy and those who aided the attackers.
By arresting two more suspects, the agency has strengthened its case. The Praveen Nettaru murder case is still being closely watched, and investigators are now working to gather more evidence for the trial and bring the remaining suspects to court as soon as possible.
For the family of the victim, for Praveen Nettaru’s family and the people of Dakshina Kannada, each arrest brings some closure and helps restore trust in the justice system. As the investigation continues, the main goal is to uncover the full conspiracy and make sure everyone responsible for the killing is convicted, said an official. The NIA has appealed to the public to share any information about the remaining absconders, as sustained pressure from law enforcement agencies continues.
