Daijiworld Media Network

Mangaluru, May 1: A brutal mob lynching in Kudupu has sparked widespread outrage across Mangaluru, raising concerns over rising lawlessness and social unrest.

The victim, Ashraf, a resident of Wayanad, Kerala, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on April 27. In connection with the crime, the police have arrested 20 individuals, and three police officers have been suspended.

What has further inflamed public sentiment is the delayed response from district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who is scheduled to visit the district on May 3, nearly a week after the lynching incident. This delay has prompted criticism about whether the gravity of the situation is being taken seriously by the administration.

Adding fuel to the fire, the absence of Dinesh Gundu Rao —a prominent political figure — has been met with increasing public frustration. His failure to visit the district within days of the shocking incident has stirred strong reactions, particularly across social media, where many are questioning the government's commitment to addressing the case.

Harish Kumar, the district Congress president, further fuelled the controversy by downplaying the significance of the minister’s delayed visit, stating, “It is not mandatory to visit, nor is there any law requiring it. The victim has already been murdered—what can be done now?” His remarks have been widely criticised, with many pointing out that, in similar crises, top officials, including the Chief Minister, would traditionally visit immediately to assess the situation and offer public reassurance.

Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who is not originally from Dakshina Kannada, has faced heavy scrutiny for his delayed response to the Kudupu lynching. Critics argue that, given the severity of the incident, the minister should have prioritised the situation and visited without delay, rather than waiting nearly a week to do so. As a public official holding a key position, his presence would have sent a strong message of accountability and concern, especially in a case involving such violent mob activity.

The incident, which has drawn comparisons to similar acts of mob violence more commonly reported in North India, has deeply shaken Mangaluru—a city known for its communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. With tensions running high, citizens are calling for prompt action from both local and state authorities to ensure justice for Ashraf and restore a sense of security in the region.