Praveen Nettaru Murder: NIA Apprehends Key Accused Abdul Rahaman Upon Arrival from Qatar

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully arrested Abdul Rahaman, a primary accused in the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru. Rahaman was taken into custody on 4 July at Kannur International Airport, shortly after disembarking on a flight from Qatar.

Rahaman, who had been absconding since shortly after the crime and had been posted under an Interpol notice, carried a bounty of ₹4 lakh by the NIA . Investigators confirmed that he aided in harboring and supporting the principal assailants on directions from the banned organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI). He fled abroad after the core attackers were arrested.

This arrest follows the NIA’s April charge‑sheet against four suspects, including Rahaman, bringing the total number of charge‑sheeted accused in the case to 28. Rahaman is the 22nd individual apprehended in connection with the case.

Nettaru was brutally murdered on 26 July 2022 in Bellare village, Sullia taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka—an act the NIA’s spokesperson described as part of “a larger conspiracy aimed at striking terror among the people and unleashing communal hatred”.

The NIA took over the investigation on 4 August 2022 and continues to pursue the remaining absconding accused, with six still at large,

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