MANAGLURU: A whopping Rs 50 lakh was allegedly pumped in to execute the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, with influential Muslims suspected to be behind the plot. The bank accounts of these individuals are now under scrutiny.
The murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty was not just a simple revenge killing but a planned murder funded with lakhs of rupees. Investigators have revealed that the murder was not just about a Rs 5 lakh contract, but involved much larger funding.
According to sources, influential Muslims, still reeling from the death of Mohammed Fazil, had vowed to take revenge and were willing to spend any amount of money to achieve their objective. Many people came forward to fund the murder and by the time the plan was executed, over Rs 50 lakh had been collected.
The police have now begun scrutinising several bank accounts and transactions after discovering the largescale funding. Sources say that the investigation has revealed that the funding came from various sources, including from abroad.
The accused had initially revealed that Adil, brother of Fazil, had offered a Rs 5 lakh contract, paying Rs 3 lakh in advance. However, investigators now believe that the actual funding was much larger. The police are examining various bank accounts to uncover the source of the funds and to identify those who were involved in financing the murder.
The investigation has also raised questions about the initial claim that the murder was carried out for a Rs 5 lakh contract. The police had seized a Mahindra Bolero pickup truck and a Maruti Swift car from the accused, which alone would have cost around Rs 10 lakh. Many people had questioned how the accused could have afforded such expensive vehicles for just a Rs 5 lakh contract.
The police have taken all the accused into 14-day police custody and are continuing their investigation. The probe is expected to reveal more details about the funding and the people involved in the murder.
Suhas Shetty’s killers partied before carrying out the murder
Some photos have surfaced of the accused in the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, partying lavishly just before the crime. The accused, including Muzammil, Niaz, and Ranjit from Chikkamagaluru, were seen partying at a resort in Kalasa on April 2. The party, which included a campfire, is suspected to have been organized to plan the murder.
Eight people were at the party, including the three main accused, and it is suspected that the murder plot was hatched during this gathering. According to investigations, Adil, brother of Fazil, had allegedly paid Rs 3 lakh in advance out of a total Rs 5 lakh contract. It is suspected that the remaining money was spent on the lavish party.
Muzammil, one of the accused, had returned from Saudi Arabia four months ago and has a case registered against him at the Panambur police station. Niaz, a mason, was living near the Bajpe Shantigudda mosque, while Ranjit, a driver from Kalasa, is accused of providing the machete used in the attack.
