The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said that the Popular Front of India (PFI) members were involved in the brutal killing of BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru in Karnataka on July 26, 2022.

The federal probe agency stated that the accused, who are PFI members, committed the murder of Nettaru "as part of a larger conspiracy to strike terror amongst the members of a section of society".

The official said that digital devices, used ammunition, improvised arms, cash, incriminating documents, pamphlets and literature were seized during the searches conducted at the premises of the accused and suspects.

The central investigative agency probing the killing of Nettaru carried out searches at 33 locations in three districts of Karnataka on September 7. The raids were carried out at 33 locations in the Mysuru, Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka.

The Karnataka Police had registered a murder case at Bellare Police Station in Dakshina Kannada on July 27, however, it was re-registered by NIA on August 4.

The BJP Yuva Morcha worker was hacked to death by three bike-borne assailants in Dakshina Kannada in Mangaluru on July 26.

Hundreds of BJP workers had taken to the streets following the murder of Nettaru and expressed unhappiness over Basavaraj Bommai's government action.

CM Bommai had promised action in the Nettaru murder case and also the deceased's residence and handed over a Rs 25 lakh cheque to the aggrieved family. While Rs 25 lakh was provided from the state government relief fund, the BJP gave Rs 25 lakh as compensation.

Assuring appropriate and strict action, Bommai had said, "Praveen's soul will find peace only when the murderers are punished. Praveen's family also said the same thing. This should never happen to anyone again, they requested to take strict action against the organizations behind this. Punishment for those responsible will be definitely given."

Image courtesy: IANS