Sun May 04 07:09:54 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka MLA Denies Supporting Murder Suspects, Sparking Political Row
**Mangaluru, Karnataka – May 4, 2025** – Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker and Mangaluru MLA U.T. Khader has vehemently denied accusations from BJP leaders that he supported the family of Mohammed Fazil, whose brother has been arrested in connection with the murder of former Bajarang Dal member Suhan Shetty.
Shetty, 30, was murdered on May 1st. Following the murder, allegations surfaced suggesting it was in retaliation for the July 2022 murder of Fazil, in which Shetty was a prime suspect. Khader stated that he received calls from Fazil’s family members who claimed no involvement in Shetty’s death. He subsequently relayed these claims to media outlets, also suggesting the murder could be linked to gang violence, while emphasizing that a full investigation was needed to determine the truth.
However, BJP leaders, including Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty, have interpreted Khader’s statements as an endorsement of the Fazil family, accusing him of undermining the investigation. Khader refutes these claims, asserting that his only intention was to de-escalate rising tensions and prevent the situation from being portrayed as a communal conflict. He stated that his comments were made in an attempt to maintain peace and that he neither supported nor opposed any party involved.
The arrest of Adil Mehroof, Fazil’s brother, has further fueled the political firestorm. Khader criticized the BJP’s interpretation of his actions, calling it ignorant and a violation of the constitutional values expected of public representatives. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has announced a ₹25 lakh compensation to the families of four victims of recent communal murders in the Dakshina Kannada district. The situation continues to be closely monitored.
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