NIA conducts searches at multiple locations in southern states in Praveen Nettaru murder case

New Delhi: According to a news statement from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), searches were carried out at several sites in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on Thursday in relation to the murder case of Praveen Nettaru.

Since taking over the investigation from Bellary police in Karnataka on August 4, 2022, the NIA has been investigating the case, conducting searches at locations connected to the fugitive accused, suspects, and their friends.

As part of its continuing investigation to catch the absconders in the case, which has resulted in the arrest of 19 people so far, the NIA stated that a variety of digital devices and damning papers were found during today’s searches. So far, the NIA has filed chargesheets against 23 individuals, including four suspects who have absconded. Seven fugitive suspects have also been the subject of non-bailable warrants and incentives.

Since Thursday morning, the suspects’ locations have been the target of raids. The action follows months after the NIA charged two defendants for harboring Mustafa Paichar, the main conspirator in the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru.

On July 26, 2022, Praveen Nettaru, the district secretary for Dakshina Kannada in the BJP Yuva Morcha, was brutally attacked by members of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI) and hacked to death using sharp weapons. The purpose of the horrific murder was to terrorize a certain segment of the population.