Bengaluru, 06 August (H.S.): 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 carried out on the basis of specific intelligence inputs. Farook had remained absconding since the investigation into the murder 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 investigators, Farook had allegedly attended a meeting at the office of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in Sullia ahead of Nettaru’s murder. The agency alleges that the meeting was linked to preparations for the killing.
The investigation further revealed that Farook had 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 connected to the case.
His arrest comes weeks after the NIA apprehended two other absconding accused in July 2026. Abdul Nasir P., alias Nasir, was arrested from Kochi, while Naushad was taken into custody from Hosur in Tamil Nadu.
Praveen Nettaru, a BJP activist from Dakshina Kannada district, was hacked to death on July 26, 2022. His killing triggered widespread protests and political outrage across Karnataka.
The NIA, which subsequently took over the investigation, has alleged that Nettaru’s murder was part of a larger criminal conspiracy involving cadres of the banned PFI.
With Farook’s arrest, 25 accused have now been apprehended in the case. Two others remain absconding, and the agency said efforts were continuing to trace them and complete the investigation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
