NEW DELHI, 20 DEC

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a prominent absconding member of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the murder of BJP leader Praveen Nettaru. Kodaje Mohammed Sherif, a former state executive committee member of the PFI, was detained upon his arrival from Bahrain at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. A lookout circular had been issued for him.

Praveen Nettaru, a member of the BJP Yuva Morcha, was allegedly killed by PFI operatives on 26 July 2022 in Bellare village, Sullia Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka. The NIA took over the investigation on 4 August 2022, subsequently arresting 20 individuals and filing charges against 23 accused, including three absconders, as part of case RC-36/2022/NIA/DLI.

NIA findings suggest that Sherif was a key figure within the PFI, acting as the head of the group's Service Team and reportedly instrumental in organising arms training for its members at the Freedom Community Hall in Mittur. Investigators claim Sherif played a critical role in orchestrating the murder, issuing directives for the targeted killing following discussions at the PFI's state executive committee.

The conspiracy was reportedly aimed at instilling fear, provoking communal unrest, and disrupting societal harmony. The NIA is continuing its efforts to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and apprehend remaining fugitives.  -SALAR NEWS