Nettaru murder case: NIA seizes PFI office
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) have seized the office of now-banned Popular Front Of India (PFI) in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district in connection with its probe into the murder of BJP leader Praveen Nettaru, officials familiar with the matter said.
Nettaru (32), a zilla BJP Yuva Morcha committee member, was hacked to death by motorbike-borne assailants at Bellare in Dakshina Kannada district on July 26, 2022. Earlier this month, NIA arrested prime accused MH Tuffail, a resident of Madikeri in Karnataka’s Kodagu district and a member of PFI’S “killer squad” in the case.
According to officials, the anti-terror agency seized PFI’S office located on the first floor of a business complex on Alleti Road at Gandhinagara in Sullia of Dakshina Kannada district, on Saturday under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, (UAPA) 1967.
According to NIA officer, the accused used to hold meetings for murder in the office. The NIA alleged that the act was done with the intention of creating terror among people, attempting to threaten the unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of the country.
After the seizure, any kind of transfer, leasing, disposing of, altering or dealing with the said property (office) in any manner except with prior permission, is prohibited.
The chief investigator of NIA Bangalore division, A Shanmugaam, has issued notices and orders in this regard. A copy of the order was sent to the Union home secretary, Delhi, director general of NIA, deputy commiioner Dakshina Kannada and Superintendent of police. ‘’We have received intimation by NIA officers and our police personnel are assisting them in the investigation,” Puttur division Deputy SP Veeranna Hirmath said.
This is second seizure of property by NIA in connection with the Nettaru murder case.
On February 23, the NIA had attached a community hall in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district belonging to the PFI in connection with the murder of Nettaru.