NIA Arrests Umar Farooq in Praveen Nettaru Murder Case After 4 Years

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Umar Farooq, a key suspect in the Praveen Nettaru murder case, on Thursday after he had evaded capture for nearly four years. Farooq, who was believed to be hiding in the outskirts of the region, was taken into custody at a location undisclosed by the agency. The arrest comes after a sustained investigation that traced his movements through a series of surveillance and intelligence reports.

Farooq was first named in the case following the murder of Praveen Nettaru, a local businessman, in 2020. He was charged with conspiracy and abetment to murder, and was listed as a wanted person by the NIA. Despite multiple attempts to locate him, he remained at large until the recent operation.

The NIA has stated that Farooq will be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further proceedings. The agency also announced that it will continue to monitor other suspects linked to the case.

The arrest has been welcomed by law‑enforcement officials who say it marks a significant step in bringing justice to the victim’s family and closing a long‑running case.

The NIA’s action underscores its commitment to tackling high‑profile criminal cases across the country.