Outrage over Hindu Gau Rakshak Suhas Shetty’s murder by Islamists in broad daylight in Karnataka

Mangaluru: In a shocking incident that occurred on the night of May 1 on the outskirts of Mangaluru, a Hindu Gau Rakshak was brutally hacked to death with sword by a group of unidentified Islamists. The victim, Suhas Shetty (32), was reportedly targeted in Bajpe Kinnipadavu and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. The brutal assault, captured on video and circulating widely on social media, has sent shockwaves through the community and heightened fears of law-and-order deterioration.

According to police sources, Suhas Shetty was travelling in a vehicle along with associates Sanjay, Prajwal, Anvit, Latheesh, and Shashank. As they reached near Kinnipadavu Cross, a group of 5 to 6 miscreants travelling in a Swift car and a pickup jeep intercepted their vehicle. Without warning, the assailants attacked Suhas with deadly weapons, including swords, causing severe injuries. Despite immediate efforts to save him, he was rushed to A.J. Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Motivation and Background

Suhas Shetty was facing criminal cases and was also associated with the Bajrang Dal’s cow protection wing. His murder is believed to be linked to ongoing communal tensions and retaliatory violence. It is being reported that the killing of Fazil, which occurred two years ago in Suratkal, was allegedly avenged by this brutal attack. Some sources suggest that the violence is part of a cycle of revenge, with reports indicating that the murder of Fazil might itself have been in retaliation for the killing of BJP worker Praveen Nettaru.

Police Response and Security Measures

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal stated, “A case of assault and murder was reported near Kinnipadavu Cross under Mangaluru City Police limits at around 8:27 pm. The victim was traveling with friends when they were stopped by miscreants. Several teams have been formed to apprehend the accused as quickly as possible.” He added that a case has been registered at Bajpe Police Station, and heavy police deployment has been arranged to maintain peace.

Public Reaction and Political Response

As news of the murder spread, a large number of Hindus gathered in front of the hospital, protesting the violence. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a district-wide bandh in Dakshina Kannada to condemn the killing. The bandh is scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm on May 2, during which all hotels, shops, and private bus services will remain closed. Activists have also demanded that Suhas Shetty’s body be taken in a procession from Mangaluru to his residence in Pulimajalu, Bantwal.

Sharan Pumpwell, convenor of the VHP Southern Province, accused “jihadi Islamic terrorists” and the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) of orchestrating the attack, claiming it was a premeditated murder. He asserted, “Suhas was killed by terrorists, and this is part of a conspiracy to destabilize communal harmony. We will oppose and fight against the police’s failure to prevent such incidents.”

Imposition of Restrictions

To ensure law and order, the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate has imposed a prohibitory order under BNS Section 163, effective from 6 am on May 2 to 6 am on May 6. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal emphasized that tight security arrangements are in place across the city to prevent any further violence.

The police have launched a manhunt for the assailants involved in the attack. Suhas Shetty’s criminal record includes multiple cases, and he was known for his involvement in violent activities. Authorities are also investigating whether the murder was part of a wider conspiracy linked to ongoing communal conflicts and political tensions in the region.

The incident has intensified communal tensions in Dakshina Kannada, with political groups and community leaders calling for calm and urging citizens to maintain peace. The police have appealed to the public to cooperate and avoid spreading rumors or inflammatory messages on social media.

Following the brutal murder of Suhas Shetty last night on the outskirts of Mangaluru, social media platforms have been flooded with suspicious and provocative posts, raising concerns about possible premeditation and organised involvement in the crime.

Within minutes of Suhas Shetty’s death, a post titled “Finish” appeared on the Instagram account named Troll_mayadiaka, which has garnered widespread attention and intense discussion across various social media channels. The post, accompanied by a threatening tone, has added fuel to ongoing speculations about the incident being part of a planned attack.

Suspicions of a Fixed Time and Pre-Planning

Alarmingly, some users have pointed out that the timing of the murder seems to align with a previous provocative message. On March 31, an Instagram account called Target Killer-03 posted a photo of Suhas Shetty along with a warning that he would face revenge soon. This has led to widespread suspicion that the murder was premeditated, with some arguing that the attack was deliberately timed or staged.

Social Media Campaigns and Celebrations

In the wake of the murder, several fake and suspicious Instagram pages based in Mangaluru have been involved in disseminating content related to the incident. Many videos and messages celebrating the act have been circulated among groups, further escalating tensions. Among these, a post titled “Waiting for next wicket” was also shared, implying a sinister message that has unsettled residents and authorities alike.

Law enforcement officials are monitoring these developments closely. The police have warned against spreading unverified information and are investigating the origin of these posts. The rapid circulation of such content has raised concerns about possible communal or political motives behind the attack, with some community leaders calling for calm and restraint.