Security has been beefed up in Bellare and surrounding areas of Dakshina Kannada district following the murder of 32-year-old BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru on July 26 night.
After BJP activists called for a bandh in Sullia, Kadaba and Puttur taluks on July 27, Puttur Assistant Commissioner M. Girish Nandan passed orders under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code prohibiting movement of people in groups of five and more persons in these areas. The prohibitory orders will be in force till midnight of July 28.
Mourners block vehicles of BJP leaders
Around 10 a.m. on July 27, the body of Praveen was taken in a vehicle from Puttur government hospital to Bellare in Sullia taluk, where people will be allowed to offer tributes to the deceased. The body will be taken in a procession to Praveen’s house in Nettaru for the final rites.
State BJP president and Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel and Minister for Energy, Kannada and Culture V. Sunil Kumar were among BJP functionaries who came to offer condolences.
As the duo were leaving the place in their vehicles, a large number of people blocked their path.
The police used canes on the mob to create a path for the vehicles to take Mr. Kateel and Mr. Kumar away from the spot. A few people threw stones at the police. Injured police personnel were admitted to nearby hospitals.
Earlier, before the start of the procession, family members of Praveen requested BJP activists and others to ensure peace.
A relative said: “We should not hurt anybody. Ensure peace. This will give a lot of relief to Praveen who has selflessly served society.”
Another relative said the murder of Praveen showed the way party is treating its activists. “The activists have become pawns in the hands of party leaders. It is better for activists to stay away from politics,” said another relative.
The procession started at 10 a.m. from Puttur Government Hospital. People had gathered in large numbers all along the route and stopped the vehicle carrying Praveen’s body to shower flowers. Around noon, the vehicle reached Bellare where the body was kept for public viewing. Around 3 p.m., the body was taken to Praveen’s house in Nettaru for the final rites.
What happened on July 26 night
On July 26, the police said, three persons arrived in a two-wheeler at the poultry farm run by Praveen around 9.30 p.m. Praveen was set to leave for his home and was sitting on his scooter. The trio allegedly assaulted Praveen.
Praveen’s friend, Madhu Kumar, who was in the poultry farm, rushed out after hearing him call for help. Praveen was found unconscious about 50 feet away from the spot where his scooter was parked. Madhu reportedly saw the assailants, who were carrying sharp weapons, leave the poultry farm on a motorcycle and head towards Puttur.
Praveen was taken in an ambulance to a private hospital in Puttur where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following his death, a large number of BJP activists assembled at the hospital in Puttur and blocked the path of the vehicle taking the body to the government hospital mortuary. They relented only after Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner K.V. Rajendra met them later that night.
On July 27, Superintendent of Police Rishikesh Sonawane said four teams have been formed to trace the assailants. “We are questioning suspects. No arrest has been made so far,” he said.
Karnataka CM condemns murder
Condemning the killing, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai assured that the culprits will be brought to book soon.
"The heinous murder of our party worker from Sullia in Dakshina Kannada is condemnable. Those involved in the heinous act will be arrested soon and will be punished as per law," Bommai said in a tweet.
Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said the area where the incident took place is close to the Kerala border. Police are establishing contact with senior officials of Kerala police to help with their investigation.
