I did not say Fazil’s family members were innocent in Suhan Shetty’s murder: U.T. Khader

Mangaluru MLA U.T. Khader clarifies statements regarding murder case, denies calling Fazil's family innocent, amid political controversy.

Legislative Assembly Speaker and Mangaluru MLA U.T. Khader has said he did not tell media channels that Mohammed Fazil’s family members were innocent in the murder of 30-year-old murder accused and former Bajarang Dal member Suhan Shetty. He had only referred to the call he received from the family members.

Mr. Khader was responding to comments by Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty and other BJP leaders that arrest of Adil Mehroof, brother of July 2022 murder victim Mohammed Fazil, in connection with Shetty’s murder, has exposed Mr. Khader.

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In a statement released to media on Saturday night, Mr. Khader said following murder of Shetty on May 1, news was spread that this was in retaliation to murder of Fazil, in which Shetty was prime accused. He received call from Fazil’s father and latter’s brothers who said they have no role in Shetty’s murder.

He told media channels, soon after, about the claims made with him by Fazil’s family members and said murder of Shetty might be linked to gang war. He had also made it clear that actual facts about Shetty’s murder will come out following arrest of accused, and all those involved in Shetty’s murder will undergo severe imprisonment.

Mr. Khader said his statement to media channels was mad in the light of heightening tension as Shetty’s murder was getting projected as a murder on communal lines, and some local leaders were trying to take political benefit of the situation. Mr. Khader said he had tried to bring in peace. He neither spoke in favour or against anybody. The way BJP leaders were misinterpreting his statement not only showed their ignorance, but was also against responsibilities and constitutional values of public representatives, Mr. Khader stated.