NIA arrests key accused in 2022 murder of Karnataka BJP worker at Kerala airport

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a key accused in the 2022 murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettaru in Karnataka.

The accused, Abdul Rahaman, absconded for two years and was apprehended by an NIA team at the Kannur International Airport upon his arrival from Qatar. He was one of six absconders for whom the agency had announced rewards, carrying a bounty of Rs 4 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

According to the NIA, Abdul Rahaman had, on the directions of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) leadership, voluntarily sheltered the main attackers and others involved in the case before fleeing to Qatar when the attackers were arrested.

In April this year, the NIA chargesheeted four accused, including Rahaman and two other absconders, bringing the total number of accused chargesheeted in the case to 28.

Praveen Nettaru was killed with sharp weapons on July 26, 2022, in Bellare village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, allegedly by PFI cadres as part of a conspiracy to spread terror and communal unrest.

The NIA, which re-registered the case on August 4, 2022, continues its efforts to trace and apprehend the remaining absconders.

- Ends