Karnataka BJP Youth Leader Murder: 2 Arrested; Will Implement UP Model, Says CM

One of the two arrested is suspected to have links with the Popular Front of India (PFI).

Two days after a youth leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Praveen Nettaru was killed in Karnataka, two persons – Zakir and Shafique – were arrested in connection with the murder on Thursday, 28 July.

(Image: Chetan Bhakuni/The Quint) 

Two days after a youth leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Praveen Nettaru was killed in Karnataka, two persons – Zakir and Shafique – were arrested in connection with the murder on Thursday, 28 July.

Reacting to the murder, which has elicited widespread outrage in the state from Hindutva organisations, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Thursday, that if need be "we will implement Yogi government model (UP Model) in Karnataka."

According to ADGP (Law and Order) Alok Kumar, Zakir has a criminal case against him and has links with the Popular Front of India (PFI). Shafique, too, was a part of PFI, his wife confirmed, adding that he 'had no idea about the incident'.

"Yes, he's a part of PFI. He used to work as a social worker in the organisation but had no idea about the incident. He was shocked and had tears in his eyes when he came to know. Police is trying to frame him," she said, according to news agency ANI.

"The two persons arrested will be produced before a local court today. Till now, 15 people have been questioned, out of which 2 people arrested. Probing the possibility of a Kerala registration vehicle used in incident," SP of Dakshina Kannada Rishikesh Sonawane told reporters.

Sources told The Quint that Zakir is from Savanoor and Shafique is from Bellare, the same town as Praveen Nettaru, the leader who was killed.

Six teams have been formed to probe the case with the help of the Mangaluru city police commissioner and the Udupi Police.

On Wednesday, Union Minister Shobha Karandljae demanded an NIA probe into the incident.

'Won't Talk From Now On; We Will Act': Bommai

Chief Minister Bommai, while addressing a press conference, said that the state government won't allow any "sort of organised crime to disturb the peace and harmony" in the state.

Referring to the "prompt" action the government took after Bajrang Dal activist Harsha Jingade's murder and the DJ Halli and KG Halli riots, he added that in this case too action taken will be swift.

"We won't talk from now on. But, we will act," he added.

He mentioned that the state had submitted all their reports to the Centre about "PFI" and the "Centre will take a decision soon."

'Will Always Stand By Hindu Society': VHP

Further, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), in a statement, has demanded that all "recent cases of violence and beheadings" be tried in Fast track courts."

"All cases of recent Jihadi violence and beheadings, including the slaying of Praveen Nettaru in South Kannada district in Karnataka, should be tried in fast track courts to ensure speedy justice to the victims' families and the Hindu society," VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal said.

"The VHP has always stood, stand and will stand by the Hindu society," he added.

The Murder

BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru was murdered by bike-borne assailants in Karnataka's Dakshin Kannada on Tuesday night.

The 32-year-old had closed his poultry shop, Akshaya Poultry Farm, and was returning home when the attackers charged at him with a machete.

Tensions gripped Bellare after the murder as the police reportedly shut down all shops, establishments, and hotels in the area amid protests.

Several Hindutva organisations launched demonstrations against the murder, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for a bandh in Kadaba, Suliya, and Puttur to protest Nettaru's killing.

Instances of stone-pelting and police lathi-charge were also reported from the district on Wednesday amid the uproar.

Section 144 was imposed in Puttur until Friday, the police said.