New Delhi, Aug. 6: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another alleged conspirator in the 2022 killing of Karnataka BJP leader Praveen Nettaru, marking a significant development in the ongoing probe into the high-profile case. The latest arrest brings the total number of accused taken into custody to 25.
According to the agency, Ummar Farook M. R. was apprehended in Kochi, Kerala, on Wednesday during a targeted operation carried out on the basis of specific intelligence inputs. He had been evading arrest for an extended period and was wanted under a Red Corner Notice as well as a non-bailable warrant. The NIA had also announced a reward of ₹4 lakh for information leading to his capture.
Investigators said Farook had previously been chargesheeted for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy behind the murder under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The probe agency alleged that Farook attended a conspiracy meeting at the office of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in Sullia, Karnataka, along with other accused before the attack was carried out.
The investigation further claims that he agreed to provide his motorcycle to another accused for reconnaissance activities and to identify potential targets in Bellare village before the murder. Officials also alleged that he later participated in a conspiracy to eliminate a protected witness connected with the case.
The arrest follows another breakthrough made by the NIA in July, when two absconding accused were captured in coordinated operations conducted in Kerala and Tamil Nadu with assistance from the Andhra Pradesh Police.
Praveen Nettaru, a BJP leader from Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, was hacked to death on July 26, 2022. The incident sparked widespread public outrage, prompting the Centre to transfer the investigation to the NIA.
According to the agency, its investigation has indicated that the killing was part of a broader criminal conspiracy allegedly planned by members of the banned PFI. Officials said two accused are still absconding, and efforts are continuing to locate them and complete the investigation.