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

Kinnigoli: Truck carrying red stone collides with Auto-Rickshaw; driver injured

UP govt to install 150,000 toilets for Maha Kumbh, set up paying guest facilities

Kavoor Police arrest two notorious cattle thieves

Udupi: Unidentified body found near Bailkere’s Vidhyodaya School

Sexual harassment case cannot be closed on basis of compromise between parties: SC

MLC Ivan D’Souza defends CM Siddaramaiah’s Lokayukta appearance, criticizes BJP’s ‘Drama’ claims

Ranji Trophy: Shreyas Iyer’s majestic 233 puts Mumbai in complete command against Odisha

Related Articles More

Kinnigoli: Truck carrying red stone collides with Auto-Rickshaw; driver injured

Kavoor Police arrest two notorious cattle thieves

Udupi: Unidentified body found near Bailkere’s Vidhyodaya School

MLC Ivan D’Souza defends CM Siddaramaiah’s Lokayukta appearance, criticizes BJP’s ‘Drama’ claims

Mangalore University to host Intercollegiate Women’s Kabaddi tournament at Besant College

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Felling of trees: What is being done to restore Delhi Ridge? SC asks DDA

Kinnigoli: Truck carrying red stone collides with Auto-Rickshaw; driver injured

UP govt to install 150,000 toilets for Maha Kumbh, set up paying guest facilities

Kavoor Police arrest two notorious cattle thieves

Udupi: Unidentified body found near Bailkere’s Vidhyodaya School

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.