What Led to the Tension in Coastal Karnataka Following a Youth's Murder?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The murder of Abdul Raheem in Mangaluru has sparked unrest and protests in coastal Karnataka, highlighting ongoing communal tensions. Community leaders demand justice while authorities try to maintain order. This incident raises questions about safety and the impact of inflammatory rhetoric in society.
Key Takeaways
- The murder of Abdul Raheem has heightened communal tensions in Mangaluru.
- Protests have erupted demanding justice for the victim.
- The incident is suspected to be linked to prior communal violence.
- Authorities have taken measures to ensure safety in the area.
- Community leaders are calling for accountability and justice.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 28 (NationPress) The communal tension in the Mangaluru district and broader coastal Karnataka has heightened after the gruesome murder of a 34-year-old man within the Bantwal Rural Police Station's jurisdiction on Wednesday.
In response to escalating unrest, additional police units have been deployed to oversee the area, and the authorities have enacted prohibitory orders effective until the evening of May 30.
A group of assailants brutally murdered Abdul Raheem, a resident of Koltamajal near Irakodi, close to Bantwal town, on Tuesday.
This violent act follows less than a month after the murder of Hindu activist and rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty, leading to suspicions that Abdul Raheem's death was an act of vengeance for Shetty's killing.
R. Hitendra, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), is set to visit Mangaluru on Wednesday to assess the situation.
The police have increased security in the Koltamajal area, where Abdul Raheem's final rites are to be held.
Community leaders from the Muslim sector have initiated protests in Mangaluru, urging the immediate apprehension of the perpetrators. They claim that the violence stemmed from inflammatory remarks made by Hindu leaders following Suhas Shetty’s murder.
Abdul Raheem was a goods vehicle operator and served as the secretary of a local mosque, leaving behind two children.
Authorities have stated that he possessed no criminal background and had no affiliations with any organization. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has also called for prompt police action in this matter.
As of now, police have filed an FIR against 15 individuals connected to the incident. Statements have been gathered from Kalandar Shafi, a friend of the deceased who was present during the attack and suffered injuries while trying to escape.
The FIR lists names including Deepak, Sumit, and others, with Deepak and Sumit being known to Abdul Raheem.
This FIR has been lodged under Sections 103, 109, 118(1), 190, 191(2), and 191(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.
Police reports indicate that the victim was assaulted while unloading sand at a customer's home. The attackers, a gang of 15, forcibly removed him from the driver's seat of his vehicle and brutally murdered him with sharp weapons before fleeing.
It is claimed that the assailants lured the victim to a secluded area under the pretense of needing his services.
Abdul Raheem was transported to a hospital in Mangaluru, where he later succumbed to his injuries, while Kalandar Shafi is currently receiving treatment.
A team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police has begun the investigation.
Minister for Health and Mangaluru District In-Charge Dinesh Gundu Rao has condemned the incident and has conferred with ADGP Law and Order R. Hitendra regarding the developments.
Minister Rao has also reached out to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Mangaluru district.
To ensure safety, additional police forces are being brought in from Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, and Karwar districts.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the broader implications of such violent incidents on communal harmony in India. The tensions in Mangaluru serve as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists within diverse societies. Authorities must act decisively to prevent further escalations and address the root causes of such violence to foster a more peaceful coexistence.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Mangaluru?
A 34-year-old man named Abdul Raheem was murdered in a communal incident, leading to heightened tensions and protests in the region.
Why was Abdul Raheem killed?
His murder is suspected to be a retaliatory act following the earlier killing of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty.
What actions are being taken by authorities?
Local police have deployed additional forces, imposed prohibitory orders, and are investigating the incident.
Who is leading the investigation?
A team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police is conducting the investigation into the murder.
What demands are being made by the community?
Community leaders are demanding immediate arrests of those responsible for Abdul Raheem's murder and accountability for the inflammatory remarks made by local leaders.
