Mangaluru, Karnataka, is gripped by tension following the brutal murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty on Thursday.

The coastal city, known for its communal sensitivity, saw violence erupt after a gang of four assailants hacked Shetty to death with machetes and swords in the Kinnipadavu area, under Bajpe Police Station's jurisdiction.

Shetty, a Bajrang Dal activist, was the prime accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammad Fazil, killed in retaliation for the death of BJP worker Praveen Kumar Nettaru during the 'hijab' controversy.

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Shetty, recently released on bail, succumbed to injuries at A.J. Hospital despite locals' efforts to save him.

His death triggered an outpouring of anger, with Hindu activists gathering at the hospital, prompting heavy police deployment. BJP MLA Y. Bharat Shetty and former state president Nalin Kumar Kateel visited the site as authorities scrambled to maintain order.

Police have obtained video footage of the attack and are investigating possible links to a recent mob lynching of Mohammad Ashraf, who allegedly shouted "Pakistan Zindabad" at a cricket event.

The National Investigation Agency continues to probe Nettaru’s 2022 murder, with a 1,500-page charge sheet filed against 20 accused.

The region, scarred by revenge killings in 2022, remains on edge. The government, which faced criticism for its handling of earlier communal violence, is under pressure to prevent further escalation as coastal Karnataka braces for potential unrest.

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