Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (MS)

Sullia, Dec 21: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a key absconding accused in the Praveen Nettaru murder case at Delhi airport on Friday.

Mohammed Sharif (55), a resident of Kodaje in Bantwal, is the arrested individual. A bounty of Rs 5 lac had been announced for information leading to his capture. Recent raids by the NIA at Sharif's residence provided critical evidence. Sharif, an active member of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and a former state executive of the organization, is the sixth accused in the case.

Praveen Nettaru

The NIA had relentlessly pursued Sharif, who was reportedly in hiding abroad. Acting on a reliable tip-off about his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, the NIA successfully apprehended him. Sharif is accused of being part of the team that conspired to murder BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru.

With Sharif’s arrest, the total number of individuals detained in the case has reached 20, out of the 26 accused named in the chargesheet.

During the investigation, the NIA uncovered Sharif’s involvement in arms training sessions held at Freedom Community Hall in Mittur for the group that carried out the murder. Sharif also allegedly took responsibility for planned murders following discussions at a state executive meeting of the PFI. According to the NIA, acting on Sharif’s instructions, Mustafa Paichar and his team executed the murder of Praveen Nettaru.

The investigation revealed that the murder was intended to incite communal hatred and animosity in society. The NIA stated that further arrests could provide additional crucial information.