Sullia: The main accused in the murder case of Praveen Nettaru, a youth BJP leader of the taluk who was brutally murdered in July 2022, was arrested on Friday May 10.

It is reported that Mustafa Paichar, a native of the taluk, was the one arrested. Sources state that he was apprehended in Sakleshpur of Hassan district by sleuths of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Additionally, it is learned that two individuals who provided shelter to Mustafa have also been taken into custody.

Several individuals have already been arrested in connection with the Praveen Nettaru case. The NIA had issued a lookout notice for Mustafa and announced a reward of Rs five lakh for informants.

In January 2023, NIA submitted a chargesheet against 20 people regarding the case. According to the chargesheet, Praveen’s murder was part of a plot to create panic among members of a particular community and instigate fear and communal hatred in society.