Suhas Shetty Murder: Instagram ‘Finish’ Post Sparks Revenge Theory, Bandh Called in Dakshina Kannada

In a chilling incident that has heightened communal tensions in Mangaluru, Bajrang Dal activist Suhas Shetty was brutally murdered by unidentified assailants near Bajpe on Thursday evening. Shetty, the prime accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil, was reportedly targeted in retaliation for the killing of BJP youth leader Praveen Nettaru.

Shetty had allegedly led the attack on Fazil, who was killed in Surathkal on July 28, 2022, in a public space. That murder was seen as revenge for Nettaru's killing in Bellare, which occurred during heightened tensions over the hijab row. Nettaru's death had triggered a wave of violence and revenge attacks across Karnataka, especially in communally sensitive coastal areas.

'Finish' Post Fuels Revenge Theory

Hours after Shetty's murder, a cryptic Instagram post titled 'Finish' appeared on the account Troll_mayadiaka, raising suspicions that his killing was pre-planned. A chilling comment, "Waiting for next wicket," accompanied the video celebrating the murder.

The post quickly went viral, leading investigators to a March 31 post from another Instagram account called Target Killer-03, which featured Shetty's photo and warned of revenge. This sequence of social media activity has intensified speculation that the murder was not random but part of a continuing cycle of revenge killings.

Suhas Shetty: A Controversial Figure

Suhas Shetty was a prominent figure in right-wing circles and an active member of the Bajrang Dal's cow protection wing. He had a criminal history, with five cases registered against him, including charges of murder and attempted murder. The police had also opened a rowdy sheet against him. He was the main accused in the Fazil murder case and had been out on bail since March following a High Court order.

According to eyewitness accounts, the murder played out like a scene from a movie. Around 8:30 PM, Suhas was traveling in an Innova with associates when he was ambushed near Bajpe. A fish tempo rammed his vehicle, forcing it to crash into a roadside salon. Immediately after, a Swift car pulled up and four armed men emerged, attacking Shetty with lethal weapons in full public view. The brutal killing was caught on a local resident's phone and is now circulating widely on social media.

Police Investigation Underway

The police have launched a probe and are analyzing both digital evidence and CCTV footage. While the motive appears to be revenge, officials are examining all angles. The murder has sparked fresh fears of communal unrest, and authorities have urged the public to maintain peace.

Hindu Organisations Call for Dakshina Kannada Bandh

Hindu organisations have strongly condemned the murder and have called for a voluntary bandh across Dakshina Kannada district on May 2. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharan Pumpwell urged Hindu communities to voluntarily shut down businesses, public transport, and services as a mark of protest.

As tensions rise, police presence has been increased across Mangaluru to prevent further flare-ups. The gruesome nature of the attack and the digital trail left behind have turned Suhas Shetty's murder into a high-profile case with statewide implications.