Mangaluru: Members of the BJP Yuva Morcha attempted to wave black flags at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Mangaluru on Friday, May 16, demanding that the murder case of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The incident occurred as the Chief Minister arrived in the city to inaugurate the new Deputy Commissioner’s office and to take part in the Ullal Dargah Uroos.

A group of BJP Yuva Morcha activists from Mangaluru North had gathered at Yeyyadi. As the CM’s convoy was passing from Mangaluru Airport towards Urwa Market, the activists displayed black flags and shouted slogans in protest.

Police immediately intervened and prevented the protesters from proceeding further. The activists, however, remained firm in their demand, urging that the case be transferred to the NIA.

They alleged that members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) were involved in the murder, and insisted that only a central agency like the NIA could conduct an impartial investigation.

Suhas Shetty was murdered near Kinnipadavu in Bajpe on May 1. So far, police have arrested 11 suspects in connection with the case.