Bantwal Rural Police have filed an FIR against 15 individuals, including Deepak and Sumith, in connection with the gruesome murder of Abdul Rahiman in Ira Kody, Kuriyala village, near Mangaluru on Tuesday.

The accused have been charged under Sections 103, 109, 118(1), 118(2), 190, and 191(1)(2)(3) of the IPC. The complaint was filed by Mohammed Nisar, who said he received a distress call at 3 p.m. from Mustafa informing him about the violent assault on Rahiman and Kalander Shafi at Ira Kodi.

By the time Nisar reached the scene around 3:45 p.m., he found Rahiman lying critically injured near a local resident Rajivi’s house. Rahiman had severe wounds on his head, neck, and body. Shafi, who was with him, had sustained serious injuries to his chest, back, and hands, and was rushed to a private hospital by ambulance.

Shafi recounted to Nisar that the attack occurred while they were unloading sand from their pick-up vehicle. A 15-member group allegedly dragged Rahiman out and assaulted him with a sword, knife, and iron rod. When Shafi intervened, he too was attacked. The attackers fled after bystanders raised an alarm. Shafi confirmed he could identify the assailants.

Rahiman, who succumbed to his injuries on the spot, was the secretary of the Kolthamajalu Jumma Masjid and worked as a driver. Shafi is a labourer.

Rahiman’s funeral prayer drew hundreds on Wednesday. His body was taken to Kolthamajalu via Thokkottu and Pumpwell under tight police protection, with burial arranged at Muhiyuddin Juma Masjid.