Congress Activist Alleges Police Harassment Over Mob Lynching Post, Threatens Suicide

Mangaluru: Congress worker Sajith Shetty, a close associate of KPCC general secretary Inayat Ali, has alleged that Mangaluru police forced him to record an apology video following a social media post he made concerning the mob lynching of Ashraf in Kudupu. In a dramatic turn, Sajith went live on Facebook, threatening to end his life and stated that the police would be solely responsible if anything happened to him.

Days earlier, Sajith had posted on Facebook questioning the inaction against the accused in Ashraf’s murder, who he alleged had ties to a BJP leader. He said that despite 52 days passing, no arrests had been made. After this post, Sajith claimed he was called in by ACP Ravish Nayak to the CEN police station, questioned, and let go with a written undertaking.

However, the situation escalated the next day when, according to Sajith, he was again summoned by ACP Prakash and inspector Arun, threatened, and forced to record an apology video, which he was compelled to upload to his Facebook page. He further alleged that it was the police who circulated the video widely, worsening his mental state.

Sajith stated he was facing mental harassment and could no longer cope, blaming the Mangaluru police for his deteriorating condition. His video has sparked outrage among supporters.

This incident comes shortly after Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy warned that social media commentary on criminal cases could be deemed criminal itself. Sajith, however, noted that his harassment preceded this official directive. He had been actively participating in protests and online campaigns seeking justice for Ashraf.