Bengaluru, Aug 6:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another absconding accused in connection with the 2022 murder of BJP activist Praveen Nettaru in Karnataka, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 25.
The accused, identified as Ummar Farook M.R., was apprehended in Kochi, Kerala, during a targeted operation based on specific intelligence inputs. He had been absconding since the investigation into the killing began and was wanted under a Red Corner Notice and a non-bailable warrant.
The NIA had also announced a reward of Rs 4 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Farook has been chargesheeted under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
According to the agency’s investigation, Farook had allegedly attended a meeting at the office of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in Sullia before Nettaru’s murder. Investigators suspect that the meeting was connected to preparations for the killing.
The NIA has alleged that Farook agreed to provide his motorcycle to another accused for conducting reconnaissance and identifying potential targets in Bellare village. He is also accused of involvement in an alleged attempt to eliminate a protected witness in the case.
Farook’s arrest follows the apprehension of two other absconding accused in July. Abdul Nasir P., alias Nasir, was arrested from Kochi, while Naushad was taken into custody from Hosur in Tamil Nadu.
Nettaru, a BJP activist from Dakshina Kannada district, was hacked to death on July 26, 2022. The killing triggered widespread protests and political outrage in Karnataka.
The NIA, which subsequently took over the investigation, has alleged that the murder was part of a larger criminal conspiracy involving cadres of the banned PFI.
With Farook’s arrest, 25 accused have been apprehended. Two others remain absconding, and efforts are continuing to trace them.
