Bajpe police have registered an FIR over an alleged conspiracy to murder a Muslim man in retaliation for the killing of Bajrang Dal member and rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty in May 2025.
The FIR was registered on September 23 based on a complaint by Abhishek, 25, a resident of Belthangady, South First reported.
According to the FIR, Abhishek told police that his acquaintance Sudeep, whom he had known for more than a year, had spoken about killing a Muslim man to avenge Shetty’s murder.
Alleged ₹24 Lakh Offer for Murder
The FIR alleges that Sudeep invited Abhishek to join the plan and offered a total payment of ₹24 lakh for carrying out the proposed murder.
Sudeep also allegedly promised to provide ₹15,000 per month for household expenses and groceries worth ₹5,000 per month to the families of those involved if they were jailed in connection with the murder.
According to Abhishek’s complaint, Sudeep later sent him a photograph of the alleged target, who was from the Kinnipadavu area of Bajpe. The photograph was reportedly shared through WhatsApp, and Abhishek was asked to collect information about the person’s movements.
The FIR further alleges that Abhishek and his friend Keerthan travelled to the area in a Scorpio and conducted reconnaissance. Sudeep allegedly transferred ₹2,000 through UPI to cover expenses and diesel costs.
Abhishek Claims He Had Two Swords Ready
Abhishek also told police that he had brought two swords from his house and kept them ready for the alleged attack.
He claimed that he later withdrew from the plan after his wife gave birth. According to his complaint, he did not immediately approach the police because he was afraid of Sudeep, whom he described as having a criminal background.
Abhishek reportedly told police that his phone contained WhatsApp conversations and screenshots related to the alleged conspiracy.
The case has been registered under Sections 55 and 61(2)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation has been handed over to the Central Crime Branch.
No arrests have been reported so far.
Suhas Shetty Murder Case
Suhas Shetty was killed near Kinnipadavu Cross in the Bajpe area of Mangaluru on May 1, 2025. According to the National Investigation Agency, seven people armed with lethal weapons, including swords and machetes, attacked him after tracking his movements. The NIA later said its investigation had uncovered a larger conspiracy behind the targeted killing.
The NIA took over the case from Karnataka Police in June 2025. In October 2025, it filed a chargesheet against 11 arrested accused in the case.
The alleged retaliatory murder plot mentioned in the latest FIR is now being investigated by the CCB.
