Mangaluru: The post-mortem report of 38-year-old Ashraf, who was lynched by a mob in Kudupu on April 27, confirms he died due to the “cumulative effect” of over 35 injuries inflicted by blunt objects across his body.
Ashraf, a ragpicker from Kerala, was allegedly attacked during a cricket tournament, reportedly targeted for his Muslim identity. His body was later found along a mud road connecting the Bhattra Kallurti Daivasthana to the tournament ground.
Initially, police registered a case of unnatural death, suggesting a possible fall under inebriation. They also issued a lookout notice due to an unconfirmed identity. But as reports of a lynching spread, local activists intervened, demanding action. Only after public pressure did police file a lynching case under Section _ of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A post-mortem conducted on April 28 and finalized on July 15 concluded that Ashraf succumbed to internal bleeding from multiple contusions and head injury, with acute kidney damage as a contributing factor.
The report details abrasions, contusions, lacerations, and tramline bruises—signs of blunt-force trauma using cylindrical objects like sticks. Injuries were present all over his back, chest, face, arms, thighs, and buttocks, all fresh and antemortem, confirming they were inflicted before death.
A fact-finding team alleged that police delayed the investigation and noted “crack and slash marks” indicating the possible use of swords and sticks in the assault.
Five sticks recovered from the scene—some over a meter long—were analyzed by forensic experts, who concluded they could have caused the described injuries.
Ashraf’s family was deeply disturbed after viewing the body on April 30, according to the report.