Fairoz murder: No. of arrests rises to 12; cops searching for more

Pic: The family of the victim, Fairoz Khan Pathan, has alleged the involvement of certain Congress functionaries from the same community. Adding to the intrigue, an audio clip of a purported conversation between Fairoz and a prominent leader has gone viralDharwad: The investigation into the sensational murder of Youth Congress functionary Fairoz Khan Pathan has gathered momentum, with police arresting four more suspects, taking the total number of arrests to 12.Fairoz was brutally killed on the night of April 10 at his house in Hashmi Nagar. According to police, a group of assailants stormed into his house and launched a fatal attack, killing him on the spot. The 28-year-old was to get married on April 24.While initial reports pointed to the involvement of five attackers, the investigation has revealed a larger conspiracy. Police sources indicate the murder was premeditated, with the accused allegedly tracking Fairoz's movements for days before executing the attack.Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioner N Shashikumar said multiple teams have been deployed to crack the case. "We have formed four special teams, and they are probing all possible angles. Significant progress has been made," he said.Meanwhile, the victim's family has alleged the involvement of certain Congress functionaries from the same community. Adding to the intrigue, an audio clip of a purported conversation between Fairoz and a prominent leader has gone viral. Police sources confirmed that searches have been conducted at the house of the leader in question, who is currently absconding.Investigators say personal enmity appears to be a key motive. During interrogation, the prime accused reportedly claimed that Fairoz had been "causing trouble", suggesting an ongoing dispute that escalated into murder. Some of the arrested individuals are said to have criminal antecedents.Police have intensified the manhunt for other suspects and are continuing to piece together the full extent of the conspiracy behind the killing.