Mangaluru: The tragic murder of 52-year-old Mohammed Sharif, affectionately known as “Bhutai” among the city’s autorickshaw drivers, has sent shockwaves through Mangaluru’s transport community. Sharif’s body was found on Friday in a deep well in Kunjathur, under the Manjeshwar police station limits. The grief among fellow drivers has been compounded by fears for their own safety.
Sharif, a resident of Kolnad in Mulki, was widely respected for his gentle demeanor, warm smile, and camaraderie across communal lines. He operated mostly from the Kottara Chowki auto stand, arriving daily around 10:30 a.m. and returning home before midnight. Fellow auto driver Shivanand, visibly shaken, said, “Bhutai never argued, never overcharged, and always kept his rickshaw and uniform neat.”
According to Shivanand, the “ganja gang”—a group of local drug addicts—may be responsible. “They could have lured him under the guise of customers,” he speculated. The Kottara Chowki auto stand president, Manoj Kodikal, said the murder had left the community deeply disturbed. Another driver, Suresh from Bikarnakatte, expressed anger, demanding swift justice, calling the killers “nayilu” (dogs, in Tulu).
Amidst mourning, auto drivers are increasingly anxious. Shivanand, for instance, refused a late-night passenger headed to Konaje, citing safety fears.
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has strongly condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation and adequate compensation for Sharif’s family. DYFI leaders B K Imthiyaz and Santhosh Bajal noted that auto drivers have previously been targeted and killed in isolated areas, mentioning earlier victims like Idayath (Natekal), Lancy (Tokkottu), and Rifai (Nettakere).
They also warned that auto drivers are becoming soft targets in a politically polarized environment in Dakshina Kannada district.
Meanwhile, Mulki police confirmed that city police are collaborating with Manjeshwar police to crack the case. Investigations are ongoing.
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