A history-sheeter and former Bajrang Dal member, Suhas Shetty, was attacked by unidentified men on Thursday night in Mangaluru, Karnataka. He later died from his injuries at a private hospital. The assault, captured on video, took place near a village on the outskirts of the city.
According to police, the attack occurred at 8.27 pm on May 1, while Shetty was travelling in a car with five others. Their vehicle was reportedly intercepted by two other cars, from which five to six assailants emerged. Shetty was then attacked with a sword and other lethal weapons before being left critically injured on the road.
He was rushed to the nearby AJ Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Following his death, a large number of Hindu activists gathered outside the hospital, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel amid rising tensions. BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA Bharath Shetty, and leaders of various Hindu organisations visited the hospital.
“A Hindu worker was murdered today. It’s no longer safe for Hindus in this state. The police must act swiftly. Anti-social elements are being encouraged, leading to such incidents. This appears to be a planned murder. Another person in the car was also injured,” said MLA Bharath Shetty.
In response, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s local unit has called for a bandh in Mangaluru on Friday, from 6 am to 6 pm. Security has been tightened around the hospital and other sensitive areas. The investigation is ongoing.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government was treating the incident with urgency.
“Four teams have been formed. I have sent a senior ADGP-level officer to ensure peace is maintained, and additional forces have also been deployed,” he said. “We have taken this incident very seriously, and we are probing it. We want peace in Mangaluru.”
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal said it was too early to determine the motive.
“We don’t yet know if this was a revenge killing. The investigation will reveal more details. We’ve identified a few of the accused from visuals,” he said. “The body will be taken to Bantwal taluk in an ambulance. Peace is everyone’s responsibility.”
