Suhas Shetty, prime accused in 2022 Fazil lynching case, hacked to death in Mangaluru; VHP protests as police impose curbs

Suhas Shetty, a rowdy-sheeter and the main accused in the 2022 mob lynching of Mohammed Fazil in Surathkal, was allegedly hacked to death by unidentified assailants on Thursday evening in Karnataka's Mangaluru.

The murder has led the city police to impose prohibitory orders until May 6.

According to police, the attack occurred around 8:30 pm in Kinnipadavu near Bajpe on the outskirts of Mangaluru on Thursday night. Shetty was travelling with his associates when a group of five to six men in a car and a pickup vehicle intercepted them. The assailants allegedly attacked Shetty using sharp weapons and fled the scene.


He was grievously injured and rushed to AJ Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, reported news agency PTI.

Who was Suhas Shetty?

Suhas Shetty had been at the centre of several controversies and criminal investigations.

He was the main accused in the murder of Mohammed Fazil, which took place in Surathkal in 2022 and was widely reported as a suspected hate crime. Fazil, a 23-year-old Muslim man, was beaten to death by a mob — an act that triggered communal tensions across the region.

Shetty was known was reportedly associated with the Bajrang Dal. Police records show he was involved in at least five criminal cases, including murder and robbery, registered across Mangaluru and Belthangady taluks. He had recently been released from jail after serving time for his previous offences.

Why has Mangaluru Police imposed prohibitory orders?

In the wake of Shetty’s murder, Mangaluru Police have enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across the city from Friday until May 6. The move aims to prevent any potential outbreak of violence or retaliatory protests, particularly in light of Shetty’s affiliations.

“The order aims to prevent potential flare-ups and maintain public order after the incident,” said Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, who also serves as the additional district magistrate.

The directive prohibits public gatherings, meetings, processions, slogan-shouting, and the carrying of any items that can be used as weapons.

The police decision follows signs of unrest in the city, with Vishwa Hindu Parishad expressing anger over Shetty’s killing. Authorities fear that his murder could lead to communal unrest, especially given the sensitive backdrop of past violence linked to the Fazil lynching case.

While the motive behind the murder has not yet been publicly confirmed, police have confirmed that a manhunt is underway to trace and apprehend the attackers. For now, the city remains on edge, with security tightened in several areas and police patrolling intensified.

(With inputs from agencies)