Is There a Probe Underway in the Mob Lynching of a Kerala Man Over Alleged Pro-Pak Slogan?
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Synopsis
In Mangaluru, Karnataka, a mob lynching incident has shocked the community. A man was allegedly killed for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans. With 20 arrests made and ongoing investigations, the authorities are under scrutiny. What led to this tragic event during a cricket match? The implications of mob justice stir a national conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Mob lynching incidents are alarming and require serious attention.
- Legal actions are being taken under the BNS Act to address mob violence.
- The community's response and police accountability are crucial in such cases.
- Verification of claims made by the accused is necessary for justice.
- Dialogue within communities can help prevent such incidents in the future.
Bengaluru, April 30 (NationPress) A disturbing incident of mob lynching has emerged from the communal-sensitive Mangaluru district in Karnataka. According to police reports, a victim was brutally killed by a group of over 30 individuals who accused him of shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad.’ Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed on Wednesday that an investigation is currently in progress.
The victim, identified as Mohammad Ashraf, aged between 35 and 40, was a resident of Ullapalli village, located near Manandawadi in the neighboring state of Kerala. The authorities have stated that his family has arrived in Mangaluru to retrieve his body.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Karnataka Police have apprehended 20 suspects and identified more than 30 individuals connected to the incident.
This case marks the first time the police have invoked Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, specifically designed for cases of mob lynching, which stipulates severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The primary suspect has been named as Sachin, an auto driver. Other detainees include Devadas, Saideep, and Manjunath, with the husband of a former corporator also under police scrutiny.
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara remarked on Wednesday, “In Mangaluru, a person aged between 35 and 40 years was lynched. During questioning, the suspects claimed the man shouted ‘Pakistan Zindabad.’ The investigation is ongoing.”
“So far, nearly 20 people have been arrested. The police are also examining their backgrounds and past records. We are taking this development seriously. Further inquiries are being conducted as many individuals present during a cricket match are also being questioned for more information,” HM Parameshwara noted.
“I want to clarify that I have not claimed the victim raised the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad.’ This is just a statement made by those involved, as per police reports,” he emphasized.
“The victim is reportedly from Kerala. We are in the process of verifying his identity through his ID card and other documentation. Currently, there is no corroborating evidence or eyewitnesses to support the claim that he shouted pro-Pakistan slogans. This assertion stems from the accused and necessitates a thorough investigation,” HM Parameshwara added.
“The investigation will also assess if there was any negligence on the part of law enforcement. We are scrutinizing every aspect of the incident. I urge the public and all communities to understand that we are handling this case with the utmost seriousness, similar to other cases. Sometimes, the aggrieved parties may perceive a delay in the investigation, but I assure you of our full commitment,” he stated.
According to police reports, a body was discovered on Sunday evening within the Vamanjur police station jurisdiction. The body exhibited signs of injury, prompting the initial classification as a suspicious death.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the attack occurred during a cricket tournament, where the victim was assaulted by a mob over alleged inflammatory remarks. Following a post-mortem examination, it was confirmed that he was brutally beaten to death, leading to the case being reclassified as murder.
Initial findings suggest that during the tournament, the victim had a confrontation with the primary suspect, Sachin. During this dispute, the victim reportedly shouted ‘Pakistan Zindabad,’ after which Sachin and his associates attacked him with a stick. When the victim attempted to escape, the group pursued him and assaulted him again. Approximately 30 individuals participated in the attack, based on preliminary investigations.
Point of View
We stand firmly against mob violence and advocate for justice through legal means. The series of events in Mangaluru must be investigated thoroughly to ensure accountability. We urge communities to foster dialogue and understanding rather than resorting to violence, as such incidents undermine the fabric of our society. The need for law enforcement to act decisively and fairly is paramount.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Mangaluru?
A man was lynched by a mob of over 30 people in Mangaluru, Karnataka, for allegedly shouting pro-Pakistan slogans.
Who is the victim?
The victim has been identified as Mohammad Ashraf, aged between 35 and 40, from Ullapalli village in Kerala.
What actions have been taken by the police?
Karnataka Police have arrested 20 suspects and are investigating the involvement of more than 30 individuals.
What law is being invoked in this case?
The police have invoked Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, which addresses mob lynching.
Is there evidence that the victim shouted pro-Pakistan slogans?
Currently, there is no evidence or witnesses to confirm that the victim made such statements; it is a claim made by the accused.
