Mangaluru: District minister Dinesh Gundu Rao condemned the lynching of Ashraf near Kudupu, calling it a “sinister attempt by anti-social elements to fracture societal peace.” Posting on X, Rao warned that the Dakshina Kannada district, once a symbol of unity, was being targeted repeatedly by those trying to incite communal tensions.

He stressed the need for vigilance against hate-mongering and urged the police to curb any provocative moves. “Some vested interests aim to damage our government’s image by sparking communal unrest,” Rao wrote, adding that the administration would not tolerate vigilantism or threats to public peace. Reaffirming the government’s stand, he said it is guided by Basavanna’s teachings—“There is no religion greater than compassion.”

Meanwhile, Mangaluru City North MLA Dr Bharath Shetty Y alleged that the investigation was politically motivated. He claimed Hindu youths were being falsely implicated and pressured into accepting charges. “Police are acting as puppets of the ruling party,” he said, warning of possible protests including a police station gherao.

Dakshina Kannada District Congress president Harish Kumar added fuel to the fire, suggesting BJP worker ‘Pistol’ Ravi provoked the mob. He criticized the local police for allegedly misleading senior officers and called for the suspension of the inspector involved.

As political tensions rise, the case has ignited fierce debates, with both ruling and opposition parties trading charges amid public outcry.