Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Jul 4: The Bantwal town police have rejected a request from members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) seeking permission to hold a protest rally at Kaikamba Junction on July 4. The request was submitted by Ashraf Talapady (41), a resident of B Mooda village, Bantwal, along with two others, in connection with the recent murders of Abdul Rahiman and Ashraf Wayanad.
The petitioners had sought permission to use loudspeakers during the protest and requested adequate police security. Upon receiving the request, Bantwal Town Police officials questioned the applicants about whether the families of the victims had submitted any appeal regarding compensation from the government. The applicants replied that no such request had been made. When asked whether they had concrete evidence or information about a conspiracy or the accused, the applicants admitted they had none.
Since the related murder cases are under investigation at Bantwal Rural and Mangaluru Rural Police Stations, the applicants were advised to share any information or demands with the respective investigating officers or competent authorities through proper legal channels.
Citing the sensitive history of communal tensions, clashes, and murders in Bantwal taluk and Dakshina Kannada district over the years, the police emphasized the need to maintain peace and public order. As such, they formally declined permission for the protest and informed the applicants accordingly.
Despite the denial, police found that a WhatsApp group named "Breaking News Mykall" circulated a message announcing a protest titled “Justice Delayed, Promises Betrayed,” to be held on Friday, July 4 at 4 pm at Kaikamba Junction. The message alleged delays in arresting key accused in the Abdul Rahiman and Ashraf Wayanad murder cases and criticized the government's failure to announce compensation.
Further, a poster promoting the protest, bearing the name of Ashraf Talapady, SDPI district secretary, was found being circulated on WhatsApp. The police noted that this act of inciting people to assemble illegally and commit unlawful acts through digital means amounts to a violation of the law.
Accordingly, Bantwal town police have registered a case under Section 57 and Section 189(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and have initiated further legal proceedings.