Tufail, accused in Praveen Nettaru case, was Karnataka head of ‘hit squad’
Team Udayavani, Apr 3, 2023, 9:29 AM IST
Tufail (L) and slain BJYM leader Praveen Nettaru (R)
Bengaluru: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly found that Tufail, the Kodagu-based former secretary of the Popular Front of India (PFI) who has been an accused in BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru’s murder, was the head of the organization’s hit squad in Karnataka. He had allegedly trained several activists in weapons and combat techniques.
Tufail had been in hiding for eight months at the house of Mohammed Shafi before being arrested on March 5. The NIA has offered a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
According to sources, Tufail was appointed as the head of the PFI’s hit squad in Karnataka due to his proficiency in weapons use and martial arts. He had personally trained physically and mentally fit youths in forest areas bordering Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh on how to use handguns and martial arts, including killing guard dogs and strays.
Under his leadership, a hit squad of 20 members was formed in every district of the state, with the objective of monitoring and collecting information about prominent Hindu leaders and activists, sources added.
The hit squads were reportedly being paid by foreign countries through Hawala, and some PFI activists arrested in Bihar and Karnataka earlier had disclosed this information during interrogation, sources said.
In addition to training activists in weapons use, Tufail had also selected some youths as “reporters” who would attend programs by Hindu leaders and orators and prepare lists of objectionable statements made against their community.
These informers would report the information back to Tufail, who would then plot attacks or killings against the targeted individuals. One such reporter, Kerala-based PFI activist Mohammad Sadiq, was arrested in January in connection with this case, sources claimed.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
ED raids Raj Kundra, others in pornographic content linked money laundering case
FIR registered against Karnataka seer over his remarks on voting power to Muslims
Kundapur: Shop burnt in fire, owners suspect arson
Mangaluru: Passengers oppose proposed changes to Murudeshwar Express train schedule
Kundapura: Keradi Kambala, popularised by movie Kantara, gets underway
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Joint India-Lanka naval operation, 500 kg of crystal meth seized
‘Pakodas for masses, halwa for chosen few’: Congress slams Modi govt as ILO report flags wage inequality
ED raids Raj Kundra, others in pornographic content linked money laundering case
FIR registered against Karnataka seer over his remarks on voting power to Muslims
Fishing vessel-submarine collision: Bodies of two missing crew members recovered
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.