Mangaluru: Kavoor police have taken three persons into custody in connection with a disturbing incident in which a migrant worker from Jharkhand was allegedly abused, assaulted and nearly killed after being accused of being a Bangladeshi national. The incident, which has raised serious concerns over communal targeting and vigilantism, occurred in Kulur village limits of Mangaluru taluk.
The accused have been identified as Ratheesh Das alias Lalu (32), Dhanush (24) and Sagar (24), all residents of Kulur village, police confirmed on Monday. The victim, identified as Diljan Ansari, is a migrant worker hailing from Jharkhand and was working in the city at the time of the incident.
Incident reported on January 11
According to the complaint registered with the Kavoor police, the incident took place on January 11 at around 6.05 pm. The victim was allegedly stopped by a group of four individuals while he was moving through the area. The accused reportedly questioned him about his religious identity, asking whether he was a Hindu or a Muslim.
Police said that the accused then began hurling communal abuses at the victim and accused him of being a Bangladeshi national. Despite the victim allegedly explaining his identity as an Indian citizen from Jharkhand, the attackers continued to verbally abuse him using obscene language.
Assault and alleged attempt on life
The situation soon escalated into violence, police said. The accused allegedly assaulted Diljan Ansari using a metal rod, causing injuries and allegedly attempting to kill him. The police complaint states that the attack was deliberate and targeted, based on the suspicion and accusations levelled against the victim regarding his nationality and religion.
The assault reportedly caused panic in the area, following which the accused fled the scene. The injured migrant worker later approached the police, leading to the registration of a criminal case.
Officials have not disclosed the exact nature of the injuries sustained by the victim, but sources indicated that he received medical treatment following the incident.
Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Following the complaint, the Kavoor police registered a case on January 12 under Crime No. 03/2026. Multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, have been invoked, reflecting the gravity of the alleged offences.
The sections include 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 352 (intentional insult), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a person), 109 (abetment), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 3(5), which relates to acts committed by several persons in furtherance of common intention.
Police officials said that the sections were applied after a preliminary assessment of the complaint and available evidence, including the victim’s statement.
Accused traced and taken into custody
As part of the investigation, Kavoor police traced and apprehended three of the accused on Monday. The fourth accused is reportedly absconding, and efforts are on to trace and detain him.
A senior police officer said that the accused were taken into custody for questioning and further legal procedures. “Based on the complaint and the seriousness of the allegations, immediate action was taken to trace the accused. Three persons have been apprehended, and further investigation is underway,” the officer said.
Police are also examining whether the incident was premeditated and if there was any larger motive behind the attack.
Concern over attacks on migrant workers
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers in urban and semi-urban areas. Mangaluru, like several other cities in Karnataka, employs thousands of migrant labourers from states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar, particularly in construction, manufacturing and service sectors.
Rights activists and local residents have expressed concern over instances where migrant workers are targeted based on language, appearance or unfounded suspicions about nationality. Police officials reiterated that taking the law into one’s own hands and targeting individuals based on identity or suspicion is a serious offence.
Police assure strict action
Kavoor police have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Officials emphasised that no individual has the authority to question another person’s nationality or religion or resort to violence on such grounds.
The police have also urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities rather than engaging in vigilantism. “Such acts disturb public harmony and will not be tolerated,” an officer said.
Conclusion
The arrest of three accused in the Kavoor assault case marks a significant step in the investigation into the alleged attack on a migrant worker from Jharkhand. As police continue to probe the incident and search for the remaining accused, the case serves as a reminder of the need for communal harmony, legal awareness and protection of migrant communities. Authorities have reiterated that justice will be pursued in accordance with the law, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.