The Karnataka State Election Commission has revoked the gram panchayat membership of K. Mohammad Iqbal, a key accused in the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru. Iqbal, currently in judicial custody, was a member of the Belare Gram Panchayat in Sullia taluk, Dakshina Kannada district.
Iqbal, associated with the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), failed to submit his asset and liability declaration for the year 2024-25 within the stipulated time. As per Section 43 (B) (4) of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993, gram panchayat members are required to submit their asset details annually. Due to non-compliance, the State Election Commission issued an order on August 26, 2025, removing Iqbal from his position, leaving the 1st ward of Belare Gram Panchayat vacant.
Praveen Nettaru was brutally murdered in 2022 at Mastikatte, Bellare, sparking widespread outrage across Karnataka. The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 4, 2022, due to its gravity. The NIA has filed a chargesheet against 28 individuals linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the murder. Of these, 21 have been arrested, including Iqbal, while others remain absconding, prompting the NIA to issue lookout notices.
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As part of the investigation, the NIA conducted raids at 16 locations across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, seizing documents from associates of the accused. Alongside Iqbal, others like Shafik, Zakir, Shihabuddin, Riyaz, and Mustafa Paichar have been arrested in various locations.