Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Oct 6: Preliminary investigation into the murder of Zubair on the night of Wednesday October 4 has revealed that a group of criminals who were angry that Zubair was a witness in a one-and-half-year-old criminal case hatched a conspiracy and killed him.

The murder was captured in a CCTV camera of the mosque and police have come to know that accused Suhail had taken primary role in the murder.

Investigations have revealed that rowdy Althaf, a resident of Bokkabettu Krishnapura, and Suhail had inflicted a deadly assault on Saddam, a friend of Zubair at Ullal junction one-and-a-half years ago. Zubair was a witness in the complaint lodged by Saddam in Ullal police station. As Althaf who was arrested and jailed in this connection has several cases against him, Goonda Act was invoked against him on the orders of the police commissioner. Though Althaf's accomplices threatened Zubair, he did not budge and continued the case. Althaf was in jail under Goonda Act until he was released a few months ago. The gang later hatched a conspiracy to kill Zubair, and carried out the plan on Wednesday night.

Zubair led signature campaign to ban Target Group

Zubair had led a campaign to collect signatures of people to get crime suspects of Target Group banished as they were allegedly involved in several criminal activities. Therefore the group wanted revenge against Zubair, it is said.

Suhail and Altaf

Family tried alerting Zubair

When Zubair was standing near the Mukkacheri mosque gate after prayers, a group of three attacked him with machetes. A person who was standing near a shop joined them in the murder. A person in the Omni had seen the entire episode and taken the killers in his vehicle. The incident was captured in the CCTV camera of the mosque.

Althaf was giving direction sitting in the Omni and Nizam was near the shop passing on information. It is gathered that Suhail, Tajuddin and Mustafa allegedly assaulted Zubair.

Onlookers said that the five accused later fled in a white Dzire tourist vehicle after the incident. Police sources say that it is possible that they may have fled to Bengaluru.

Zubair is survived by his mother, brother, wife, two daughters and four sons. The final rites were held at Mukkacheri mosque premises on Thursday October 5 afternoon.

It is learnt that on Wednesday evening, Suhail had asked a local where Zubair was. As the person did not know, he did not respond. However, the person suspected a conspiracy against Zubair and tried calling Zubair immediately, but his number was not reachable. He later called up Zubair’s brother and informed him. The brother immediately dialled Zubair's number, still he could not be contacted. He later brought it to the notice of Zubair's mother and asked her to convey the message to Zubair. Though she was informed at 4 pm, she could not inform Zubair as he had gone to the mosque directly from work and ended up being murdered. Zubair used to go for Namaz to Hosapalli mosque in Ullal every day, hence, his decision to go to Mukkacheri mosque for prayers has raised eyebrows. Locals suspect that he was brought to Mukkacheri mosque by those who had links with the assailants.

Protest at Ullal police station

More than 500 people led by the local unit of BJP gheraoed Ullal police station on Thursday demanding arrest of Zubair's killers. Tense atmosphere prevailed for some time.

"BJP activist Zubair was innocent and not involved in any criminal activities. Police are delaying arrests of criminals who have killed such person. Though several criminal activities are taking place in Ullal they go unpunished and criminals continue their activities. They are not punished even if they destroy houses and assault people. Therefore, police should also arrest those who pay supari to them. If ganja peddlers and their source are not identified, murders like that of Zubair will continue," the protestors said.

Santhosh Rai Boliyar urged for arrests of not only the killers but also those who paid supari to them.

The crowd dispersed after Ullal police inspector Gopikrishna assured of arresting the accused within the next two days.

BJP minority morcha district chief secretary Fazal Asaigoli, district minority morcha chief secretary Dr Munir Bava, Mangaluru Vidhana Sabha minority morcha secretary Asghar, Jayarama Shetty Kamblapadav, Ashraf Harekala, Siraj Mudipu and others were present.

DYFI blames drug mafia

Meanwhile, DYFI stated that it was a drug mafia that killed Zubair. "It is condemnable that Zubair was murdered by ganja drug addicts. Drug addicts are spread all over Ullal. Police should take action against them and arrest the killers of Zubair," urged DYFI.

"Zubair murder has taken place as a complaint was lodged with the police against drug addicts. The fact that the murder was committed a short distance away from the police station shows the failure of the police department. Police have failed to take strict action against those who spoil the health of society by consuming ganja and other drugs. People here are living in a state of fear. Therefore, Zubair's killers should be nabbed and punished. Ganja mafia should be identified and Ullal should be made freed from the drug mafia," urged DYFI Ullal zone. DYFI Ulal zone committee secretary Razak Montepadav warned that police station will be gheraoed and protested, if they fail to take action.

Protest on October 6

Meanwhile, the BJP announced a protest condemning the murder of Zubair, who they said was a member of the party. "Massive protests will be held near Thokkottu bus stand at 4 pm on October 6 condemning the killing of Zubair. The law and order situation is becoming worse every day and the state government is in slumber. Congress elected representatives do not allow the police department to arrest criminal suspects and keep them under control. The protest will be held against Congress misrule and incompetence of minister U T Khader," informed BJP Mangaluru assembly constituency president Santhosh Boliyar in a press release.