Bengaluru, April 30 (NationPress) Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao issued a stern warning on Wednesday, emphasizing that any attempts to disturb peace will face stringent action, particularly in light of the ongoing investigations regarding the mob lynching incident in the sensitive city of Mangaluru.

The Karnataka Police have detained 20 individuals, who confessed that they assaulted the victim due to his alleged chanting of the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad’. The victim has been named as Mohammad Ashraf from Kerala, whose family asserts that he suffered from mental health challenges. This tragic event occurred on Sunday.

As the District in charge Minister for Mangaluru, Rao stated, “Our government will not tolerate any malicious attempts to take the law into one's own hands, disrupt societal peace, or incite communal discord. This serves as a clear warning to those with anti-social intentions that we maintain a zero tolerance policy in this regard.”

“The murder of a young man named Ashraf near Kudupu on the outskirts of Mangaluru is an act of malevolent forces aiming to disrupt social harmony,” he declared.

“Dakshina Kannada district (Mangaluru) was historically a region of unity and peace. Nevertheless, for several years, certain anti-social elements have attempted to create discord within the community. The recent incident at Kudupu is a manifestation of these efforts,” he remarked.

The Mangaluru police have acted promptly in response to the youth's murder, arresting 15 individuals involved in the crime, while operations continue to capture other perpetrators, he noted.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that 20 arrests have been made in connection with this case.

Minister Rao expressed gratitude to the Mangaluru police for their swift investigative actions and arrests. He also highlighted the police's duty to uphold the region's communal harmony, warning that certain anti-social forces might attempt to spread hatred in the aftermath. It is critical that the police prevent such opportunities.

“Some vested interests aim to incite communal strife to tarnish our government’s reputation. The residents of Dakshina Kannada must be aware of these plots. As citizens of a district noted for its wisdom, it is our shared responsibility to prevent any harm to Dakshina Kannada's image,” he asserted.

“Our government commits itself to governance rooted in the principle that compassion supersedes all religions, as taught by Basavanna. This principle must remain intact, and social peace must not be compromised. This is my heartfelt appeal,” he concluded.

In response to the developments, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara noted on Wednesday, “In Mangaluru, a man aged between 35 and 40 years was lynched. During interrogations, those arrested claimed that the man had shouted the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad’. The investigation is ongoing, and this is merely the assertion of those apprehended.”

“Approximately 20 individuals have been detained thus far. The police are also examining their backgrounds and histories. We are treating this situation with utmost seriousness. Further investigations continue as many others who were present during the cricket match are also being questioned for additional information,” Parameshwara added.