3 More Arrested in Chilling Assassination of Hindu Activist Suhas Shetty

News Flash

15 May

“Planned like a military op, executed in cold blood” – CCB Cracks Down on Growing Underworld Network as Accused Linked to Theft, Murder & Robbery

Mangaluru: In a major breakthrough in the gruesome murder case of Hindu activist and rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty, the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) on Thursday arrested three more suspects, unearthing what appears to be a well-organized criminal syndicate that carried out the cold-blooded execution in Kinnipadav, Bajpe.

The newly arrested accused are:

• Azharuddin (29) – History-sheeter with theft cases in Panambur, Surathkal, Mulki

• Abdul Khader (24) – Driver who helped the killers escape

• Naushad (39) – Notorious criminal from Hassan, with six cases including murder, conspiracy & robbery

These arrests bring the total number of accused in custody to six, after three were already arrested on May 3, just two days after the brutal murder of Suhas Shetty on May 1.

“This wasn’t just a murder — it was an orchestrated attack. Azharuddin tracked the victim’s movements. Khader facilitated the escape. Naushad was the mastermind. The conspiracy was deep.”
— CCB Police Official, Mangaluru

How It Unfolded: Inside the Murder Web

Police sources say Azharuddin acted as the insider, tracking Suhas Shetty’s movements and feeding real-time updates to the hit squad. Abdul Khader played the role of escape facilitator, ferrying the killers away in a getaway car. The most sinister link is Naushad, a seasoned criminal who allegedly helped plan the murder, lending his underworld connections and tactical expertise.

Naushad is no stranger to law enforcement — he has six serious criminal cases, ranging from attempted murder to robbery conspiracy, registered across Suratkal, Bajpe, Moodbidri, Mangaluru North, and Bantwal Rural.

“Naushad is a repeat offender, well known to us. His role in this conspiracy indicates a bigger nexus. We are now probing deeper links and potential political angles.”
— Senior Mangaluru Police Official

Custody Details & Ongoing Probe

• Azharuddin has been remanded to judicial custody.

• Abdul Khader and Naushad are in police custody for detailed interrogation.

• The CCB is actively pursuing other suspects who may have played secondary roles in logistics, planning, or sheltering the killers post-incident.

This murder case has rocked the coastal belt, raising concerns over the growing brazenness of organized crime in and around Mangaluru.