PFI leader arrested in RSS worker Sharath murder case in Karnataka

Sharath Madivala's murder had led to massive protests by Sangh workers in coastal districts of Karnataka

The Karnataka police have arrested a Popular Front of India leader in RSS worker Sharath Madivala murder case. The Mangaluru police said that both accused were arrested after their identities, as well as their association with organisations, were verified.

36-year-old Abdul Shafi and 30-year-old Khaleelulla, the president of Chamarajanagar unit of PFI have been arrested in connection with Sharath Madivala murder case. "Abdul Shafi was arrested in Bantwal while Khaleelulla was nabbed in Chamarajanagar. We have produced them in the court and have sought police custody," said Harishekaran, IGP, Western range.

The police are yet to nab other accused in the case but their identities have been established. This is the second case where a PFI member has been made accused in the murder of an RSS worker. PFI members were chargesheeted by the NIA in RSS worker Rudresh murder case in Bengaluru.

Sharath Madivala was stabbed to death in July, a time when coastal districts in Karnataka were witnessing communal tensions and stabbing incidents. The BJP had staged massive protests over Sharath Madivala's murder while the Congress had accused the BJP of creating communal tensions. The investigating officials divided themselves into groups and questioned almost 30 people in connection with the case. Teams were sent to Maharashtra, Kerala, Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Karwar and other places as part of investigations. Harishekharan also added that jails across Karnataka were also monitored to zero in on the accused.

The police are now on the lookout for two conspirators who are said to have helped the accused procure weapon and vehicles. While the police confirmed that a PFI leader was one of those arrested, they refrained from commenting on the motive behind the murder.

OneIndia News