Suhas Shetty murder: Police launch hunt as communal tensions simmer  in Mangaluru

Suhas Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and the main accused in the Fazil murder case, was killed in a violent attack by unidentified assailants in Mangaluru on Thursday night. The incident took place around 8:30 PM when Suhas’s vehicle was ambushed by a gang wielding lethal weapons. Despite being immediately taken to AJ Hospital, Suhas succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by the police.

Also Read: Karnataka: Communal clashes break out during Ganpati idol procession

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Friday that the state has taken the murder seriously and has formed four dedicated police teams to trace the culprits. He stressed that such incidents must not disturb the peace and communal harmony in Dakshina Kannada.

According to Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, Suhas was accompanied by five others namely, Sanjay, Prajwal, Anvith, Latheesh and Shashank when they were attacked. The assailants, who arrived in a car and a pickup truck, quickly overpowered the group and targeted Suhas before fleeing the spot.

The motive behind the murder remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. To maintain order, authorities have enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) from May 2 to May 6. The Bajrang Dal called for a bandh in response, during which isolated incidents of stone-pelting occurred. Police have heightened security across Mangaluru to prevent unrest.