The horrific mob lynching of Ashraf, a 38-year-old mentally challenged man from Kottakkal in Kerala’s Malappuram district, has triggered intense political blame games and heightened communal unease in Mangaluru. The incident occurred in Kudupu on Sunday during a local cricket match, yet police have yet to determine a clear motive. As misinformation spreads, political leaders are trading serious accusations.

Ashraf’s murder has drawn criticism from opposition parties for the delayed response by Mangaluru police, who took more than 48 hours to make arrests and initially registered the case as an unnatural death. So far, 20 people have been arrested, and the search for remaining suspects is ongoing. Blood sample reports are awaited for further clarity.

Congress and SDPI leaders have accused Ravindra Nayak, also known as “Pistol Ravi” and the husband of a former BJP corporator, of instigating the attack. SDPI demanded his immediate arrest, alleging he incited the mob. Police sources say Nayak is absconding and unreachable.

According to arrested accused Sachin, Ashraf reportedly approached the cricket ground from nearby railway tracks and threw stones while allegedly shouting “Pakistan Zindabad.” The mob, enraged by the perceived provocation, beat him severely. The assault reportedly continued even after Ashraf tried to walk away, eventually leading to his death.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Bharat Shetty claimed Hindu youths were being falsely implicated due to political influence, asserting that nationalists are being vilified in Congress-ruled areas.