Suhas Shetty murder case takes explosive turn; Allegations surface against local Islamist police officer
Mangaluru: In a shocking development that has further deepened the mystery surrounding the brutal murder of Hindu Gau Rakshak Suhas Shetty, explosive allegations have emerged implicating a Muslim head constable from Bajpe police station. The case, which has gripped coastal Karnataka and sparked widespread outrage, now appears to involve not only criminal elements but potentially law enforcement authorities as well.
What began as a case of communal retaliation has now evolved into a labyrinth of conflicting narratives, with new twists and turns emerging almost daily. Initially believed to be a revenge killing allegedly orchestrated by Fazil’s brother, Adil Mehroof, the case later brought suspicions of involvement by the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). However, the latest and perhaps most disturbing development is the claim that police officers may have directly aided the perpetrators.
Shocking Claims from Hindu Organisations
Several Hindu organisations, including the Vishsa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, have alleged that Head Constable Rasheed, attached to the Bajpe police station, played a critical role in facilitating the murder. Speaking to the media, VHP regional convener Sharan Pumpwell and HJV’s K.T. Ullas claimed that Rasheed repeatedly harassed and monitored Suhas Shetty, even calling him to the station several times under various pretexts.
According to their statements, Suhas had been living in a rented house within the Bajpe police jurisdiction. In the days leading up to his murder, Rasheed reportedly summoned him to the station and issued warnings. One such instance occurred just a week prior, on the same day that an individual named Ashraf was killed in Kudupu. Rasheed allegedly instructed Suhas not to carry any weapons, to avoid associating with youth groups, and to restrict his movements.
These interactions, the organizations argue, are not mere coincidences. They claim that Rasheed was keeping track of Suhas’s movements and eventually passed on this information to the assailants. If these allegations hold true, it suggests that Suhas was left defenseless and exposed, making it easier for his killers to target him.
Family’s Longstanding Suspicion Gains Credence
The latest developments appear to give weight to suspicions held by Suhas Shetty’s mother, who had earlier accused the Bajpe police of being complicit in her son’s death. Since the day of the murder, she had publicly maintained that some officers wanted her son dead, a claim that was initially dismissed as emotionally charged rhetoric. However, the emerging details now cast those concerns in a new light.
In response to these grave allegations, authorities have reportedly relieved Head Constable Rasheed from investigation duties, although no official statement has been released confirming disciplinary action. The move, however, has only intensified calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the murder, especially from right-wing and Hindu nationalist groups.
Demands for NIA Investigation Grow
The growing chorus of voices demanding an NIA-led investigation reflects the mounting distrust in local investigative agencies. Hindu leaders argue that only an impartial, central agency can thoroughly probe all angles—especially those involving potential insider involvement.
“It is not just about who held the knife. It’s about who gave the information, who enabled the logistics, and who looked the other way,” said K.T. Ullas, urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah to personally intervene.
The case has also taken a political turn, with leaders accusing the state government and police department of shielding communal elements within the force. Several protest rallies have already been held across state, with more demonstrations planned in the coming days.
If proven true, these allegations could trigger a major credibility crisis for the Karnataka police and invite scrutiny. The coastal belt of Karnataka, already communally sensitive, is now bracing for further unrest, as public confidence in law enforcement continues to erode.
As of now, no formal charges have been filed against Head Constable Rasheed, but the pressure to hold him accountable is mounting. Whether the state government will allow a central probe or choose to suppress further inquiry remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Suhas Shetty’s family continues to grieve in silence, waiting not just for justice—but for the full truth to come out.