Mangaluru— Over two months after Mohammed Ashraf was allegedly lynched during a local cricket match in Kudupu, activist Manavi Vijay Jonnahalli has raised serious questions about the response from both authorities and the community. Speaking to The Federal, Manavi described the incident as “a broad daylight betrayal of the Constitution.”

Ashraf, a 40-year-old rag-picker who lived with and cared for his mother, reportedly went to the cricket ground on April 27 simply because he loved the sport. According to a fact-finding report by PUCL Karnataka, APCR, and ILAJ Karnataka, he was attacked after being identified as Muslim based on his appearance and accent.

“What kind of society returns to playing cricket after a man is lynched in front of them?” Manavi questioned, highlighting the chilling apathy of those present.

Despite visible knife wounds on Ashraf’s body, no FIR was registered by the police initially. Instead, an unnatural death report was filed, which allegedly enabled the accused to secure early bail. The police’s delay and the climate of fear among locals have hampered the investigation, she said.

A key figure, Ravindra Nayak, is believed to have been at the scene and possibly involved in evidence tampering, though this remains unverified due to lack of witness testimony.

No evidence supports the claim that “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans were raised. The fact-finding team debunked this as baseless communal rhetoric, likely politicized to derail the investigation.

The activist called for:

  • Immediate compensation for Ashraf’s family

  • A special public prosecutor

  • The investigation to be handed over to CID or SIT

“If this is not a wake-up call, we are descending into dangerous territory,” Manavi warned.