Mangaluru: Bantwal Rural Police have issued a notice to RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat seeking his statement in connection with the May 2025 murder of Abdul Rahiman in Dakshina Kannada. Police said Bhat’s statement is pending and is required to clarify certain facts that emerged during the investigation.
The development has triggered reactions from Hindu organisations and political leaders, who have questioned the timing and purpose of the notice. Police, however, have maintained that the notice is part of the investigation process and that Bhat has been asked to provide information before the charge sheet is submitted to the competent court.
Police issue notice to record statement
According to Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr Arun Kumar, Bhat’s statement had not yet been recorded in Bantwal Rural Police Station Crime No. 54/2025.
Police issued a witness notice asking him to appear before the investigating officer at his residence in Kalladka and provide information relevant to the case. The police have said that once the statement is recorded, the remaining investigation formalities will be completed and the charge sheet will be submitted before the court.
The notice itself does not establish that Bhat is an accused in the murder case. Police have publicly described the action as one to record his statement as part of the investigation.
Bhat seeks more time
Bhat was asked to appear for questioning on September 26. However, subsequent reports said he did not appear on the scheduled date, stating that he was out of station and had prior commitments.
A report by The Times of India said Bhat sought about one month’s time to appear before the police and record his statement.
The development means that the police are yet to record the statement they have sought from him.
Case relates to Abdul Rahiman murder
The case concerns the killing of 32-year-old Abdul Rahiman in Bantwal taluk in May 2025. Police records cited in recent reports identify the case as Crime No. 54/2025 of Bantwal Rural Police Station.
Rahiman was allegedly attacked near Irakodi in Kuriyala village while unloading sand from a pickup vehicle. Reports said another person was also assaulted during the incident.
The murder occurred amid heightened tension in Dakshina Kannada following the killing of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty earlier in May 2025. The sequence of incidents subsequently led to allegations that the two cases were connected as retaliatory violence, though such claims have been part of the wider investigation and public debate.
Police investigation continues
The Abdul Rahiman murder investigation has involved several accused persons and proceedings under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA).
Recent reports have given different figures concerning the number of people arrested or proceeded against in the case. Police and court proceedings have also continued after some accused secured bail in KCOCA-related proceedings.
The latest police action involving Bhat is focused on obtaining his statement before the investigation is completed.
Reports have also said investigators are seeking clarification regarding Bhat’s alleged communications with some of the accused around the time of the murder. The nature and relevance of those communications will have to be established through the investigation.
VHP and Bajrang Dal object to notice
The police notice has drawn objections from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.
VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell alleged that the notice was politically motivated and questioned the basis for seeking Bhat’s statement at this stage of the investigation. These are allegations made by the organisation and have not been independently established.
The organisations have also announced a protest in BC Road on September 28 over the police action and other issues concerning the case.
Mangaluru City North MLA Bharath Y. Shetty also criticised the notice and alleged that the State government was targeting prominent RSS leaders. His comments represent his political position and are separate from the police explanation for issuing the notice.
Police say charge sheet will follow
The police have maintained that the immediate purpose of the notice is to record Bhat’s statement and clarify facts emerging from the investigation.
The investigation will determine what information is relevant to the case and whether any further action is required. The final findings will be presented before the competent court through the charge sheet.
The issuance of a witness notice, by itself, does not establish criminal liability or involvement in the murder. Any allegations concerning individuals will ultimately have to be supported by evidence and dealt with through the legal process.
Conclusion
Bantwal Rural Police have issued a witness notice to Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat in connection with the 2025 Abdul Rahiman murder case. Police say his statement is pending and is required before the charge sheet is submitted. Bhat has reportedly sought additional time to appear, while VHP and Bajrang Dal have opposed the notice and announced a protest.