Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 30: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday described any expression of support for Pakistan as an act of treason and a betrayal of the nation. He made the remarks in response to the recent mob lynching of a man in Mangaluru.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, the chief minister said, “Those responsible for the mob lynching will face strict action. So far, 15 arrests have been made, and the investigation is underway. Once the probe is completed, further action will be taken.”
“Speaking in favour of Pakistan is wrong. It is treason—do you understand?” he added.
Home minister G Parameshwara confirmed that a total of 20 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. The case has drawn serious attention from the police, especially as it occurred in communally sensitive Mangaluru.
Several Muslim organisations have met the superintendent of police and demanded that suo motu cases be filed against individuals who allegedly delivered provocative speeches that triggered the violence. They have also voiced concern over an increase in moral policing incidents in the region.
According to them, speeches made by Hindu activists after the Pahalgam terror attack may have contributed to the mob attack. They criticised the police for delays in the investigation and also took exception to the initial statement from the department, which had reportedly dismissed the incident as a minor altercation.
Police sources later revealed that the victim was beaten to death by a mob of over 30 people after allegedly shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ at a cricket ground on Sunday afternoon.
The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Ashraf, aged between 35 and 40, a resident of Ullapalli near Manandawadi in Kerala. His family, which has now reached Mangaluru to claim the body, stated that Ashraf was mentally challenged.
Following the incident, Karnataka police have invoked Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a provision meant to address mob lynching. The section provides for life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Among those arrested is Sachin, an autorickshaw driver identified as the prime accused. Others include Devadas, Saideep, and Manjunath. The police are also questioning the husband of a former corporator in connection with the case.