Mangaluru: A chilling murder in Kuriyal village, Bantwal taluk, has rocked Dakshina Kannada. Abdul Rahiman (32), secretary of Kolthamajal Jumma Masjid, was hacked to death on May 27 while unloading sand from a pick-up truck, triggering outrage and communal unrest.

According to the FIR filed by Bantwal Rural Police, a mob of around 15 armed men launched a brutal attack around 3 p.m. Rahiman was dragged from the vehicle and stabbed repeatedly with swords, knives, and iron rods. His colleague, Kalandar Shafi, who attempted to intervene, sustained critical injuries and is currently in the ICU at Highland Hospital, Mangaluru.

By the time the complainant arrived, Rahiman was lying unconscious in a pool of blood with deep injuries to his head and neck. He was declared dead on arrival.

The FIR names local residents Deepak and Sumit as accused and cites multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, and unlawful assembly. The motive remains under investigation, with possible communal angles being explored.

In response to rising tensions, prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed from 6 p.m. on May 27 to 6 p.m. on May 30 across Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur, Kadaba, and Sullia taluks.

Sharan Pumpwell Arrested, Later Released
On the same day, Mangaluru police arrested Sharan Pumpwell, joint secretary of VHP’s South Karnataka wing, in a separate case related to the May 2 bandh called after the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty.

Sharan had failed to appear for questioning in connection with inflammatory statements made outside AJ Hospital, where he accused “Jihadi Islamic terrorists” and the banned PFI of Suhas’ murder. His statements allegedly incited unrest, with his supporters damaging public property during the bandh. A suo motu case was registered, and Sharan was granted bail after arrest.

Protests Erupt
Angered by Rahiman’s murder, protesters blocked Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal’s vehicle outside the Deralakatte mortuary, demanding the arrest of Sharan Pumpwell and other VHP leaders. A similar protest was held at Highland Hospital, where Shafi is undergoing treatment.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with investigations ongoing into both cases.

Read Also: