Mangaluru: Ex-Mayor Ashraf Quits Over Communal Violence

Former Mangaluru Mayor K. Ashraf has resigned from his position as Vice-President of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee, expressing disappointment over the Karnataka government’s alleged inaction in curbing rising communal tensions in the coastal belt.

Ashraf, a veteran public representative who also heads the Dakshina Kannada Muslim Okkuta, cited the brutal murder of Abdul Rahiman alias Rahim in Kolattamajalu as the tipping point. He condemned the state’s continued failure to act decisively against hate crimes, provocative speeches, and repeated attacks on minorities.

In his resignation, Ashraf accused the Congress-led state government of turning a blind eye to atrocities perpetrated by Sangh Parivar elements and local miscreants, despite being in power. He also alleged that police and intelligence agencies failed to act on public threats issued before Rahiman’s killing.

Ashraf expressed dismay at the statement by District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who termed Rahiman’s murder as a case of personal enmity. Calling the claim “unacceptable,” Ashraf urged the minister to withdraw his remarks, which he believes were based on inaccurate briefings.

He highlighted a troubling pattern of communal bias in arrests, religious discrimination by officials, and lack of administrative will. Claiming the situation is deteriorating under Congress rule, Ashraf said continuing in his role would go against his conscience.

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