Mass protest demands NIA probe into Hindu activist Suhas Shetty's murder

Amid heavy rains, a massive public protest meeting was organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Sunday near Sharada Mantap at Bajpe Junction, demanding that the investigation into the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Addressing the gathering, prominent speaker Srikant Shetty alleged that jihadi forces have deeply entrenched themselves in the coastal region and claimed that Suhas Shetty’s murder was the result of a well-orchestrated conspiracy. He expressed dissatisfaction with the local police, stating that despite the seriousness of the crime, no charges were filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) or the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA). “We have no faith in the police investigation. The case must be handed over to the NIA,” he insisted.

He further added that the presence of Hindu activists in Mangaluru is the only reason the city has remained secure so far, and urged the community to stand united in support of youths like Suhas. He called for an organized struggle until the case is handed over to the NIA.

MLA Alleges Police Involvement
MLA Umanath Kotian made a serious accusation, claiming that members of the police department were directly involved in the murder. “One police officer, two personnel, and a political figure are behind this killing,” he alleged, pressing for an NIA investigation.

Shivananda Mendon, the VHP’s Mangaluru Division Joint Secretary, stated that Suhas’ sacrifice would not be allowed to go in vain.

The event was presided over by VHP district president H.K. Purushottama. Suhas Shetty’s parents, Mohan Shetty and Sulochana Shetty, were present during the protest.

Emotional Appeal from Mother
In a heartfelt address, Suhas’ mother Sulochana M. Shetty refuted statements made by Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and Minister-in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao, who had allegedly referred to her son as a rowdy. “My son Suhas Shetty was not a rowdy. He was a Hindu activist who fought for the community,” she said tearfully. “Justice will be served only if the case is handed over to the NIA. The local police cannot be trusted — they are preparing the chargesheet based on inputs from PFI and KFD,” she alleged.

Strong Turnout Despite Heavy Rain
Despite persistent heavy rainfall, thousands of Suhas’ supporters and activists from Mangaluru and surrounding areas gathered in solidarity. The crowd included women and children, braving the weather to voice their demand for justice. Security was tight in and around Bajpe, with approximately 400 police personnel deployed from various districts to maintain law and order.

Political and Community Leaders Attend
Several notable leaders and public representatives were present, including BJP district president Satish Kumpala, MLAs Harish Poonja, Bhagirathi Murulya, Rajesh Naik, D. Vedavyas Kamath, Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty, and VHP leaders Pratap Simha Naik, Kishore Kumar, Sharan Pumpwell, and Giri Prakash Tantri.

The protest was anchored by Bajrang Dal state-level co-coordinator Bhujanga Kulal.