Praveen Shetty Murder Case: A Complex Investigation Uncovers a Chilling Truth

Strategic Insights -

On November 9, 2008, Ravi Devadiga, the owner of a travel company, reported his driver Praveen Shetty missing with an Innova vehicle. The police filed a case under Section 381 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and began the probe. However, the case took a dark turn when a body was found in a granite quarry three days later. The police investigation revealed that Praveen was murdered by a group of individuals who needed the Innova to commit robberies. Despite a setback at the trial court, the police collected evidence and appealed to the Karnataka High Court, which convicted the accused to life imprisonment in 2020.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case began with a missing person report filed by Ravi Devadiga, owner of a travel company, on November 9, 2008.
  • Police found a body in a granite quarry three days later, which was later identified as Praveen Shetty.
  • Investigation revealed that Praveen was murdered by a group of individuals who needed the Innova to commit robberies.
  • Police collected evidence, including call detail records and CCTV footage, and filed a chargesheet before the sessions court on December 30, 2008.
  • The accused were acquitted at the trial court on March 15, 2013, but the police appealed to the Karnataka High Court, which convicted the accused to life imprisonment in 2020.
  • Safwan Hussain, one of the accused, fled India and is still absconding, with a Red Corner Notice issued against him.
  • Police Inspector Parameshwar Ananth Hegde, who led the investigation, was awarded the Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Investigation in 2021 for solving the Praveen Shetty murder case.

Statistics:

  • Victims of robberies reported in the Dakshina Kannada district: At least 4
  • Vehicles targeted in robberies: Lorries and cars
  • Number of days Praveen Shetty was missing before his body was found: 3
  • Number of people accused of Praveen Shetty's murder: 4
  • Life imprisonment sentence imposed on the accused: Yes
  • Fine imposed on the accused: Rs 1.13 lakh each
  • Date of the acquittal at the trial court: March 15, 2013
  • Date of the conviction at the Karnataka High Court: February 28, 2020

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd. (Copyright 2025)
  • Contify.com (distributed by)
  • Praveen Shetty murder case judgment, Karnataka High Court (February 28, 2020)
  • Interview with Police Inspector Parameshwar Ananth Hegde (no specific date mentioned)