In Bhatkal, an alleged attempt to lynch a young man traveling from Hyderabad triggered outrage and protests on Tuesday evening. Mujibur Rehman, a 36-year-old resident of Bhatkal Hanifabad, boarded a bus from Hyderabad to Mangalore. Near Gangavati in Karnataka, Mujib reportedly requested a fever tablet from the bus conductor due to feeling unwell. Upon revealing his identity as Mujeeb from Bhatkal, two passengers allegedly assaulted him, accusing him and threatening his life. The situation escalated when the conductor provided a tablet that worsened Mujeeb’s condition, leading to further attacks allegedly supported by the driver and conductor.
Mujeeb managed to escape the bus but was reportedly chased and assaulted by locals in Gangavati, instigated by the assailants. Severely injured, Mujeeb received help from local Muslims before reaching Bhatkal Government Hospital around 4 PM on Tuesday. He bore visible marks of severe beating on his body.
News of the incident sparked protests outside the hospital, demanding justice for Mujeeb and questioning police inaction. Protesters sought accountability for allowing the bus involved to depart without investigation and demanded scrutiny of CCTV footage from the bus. Accusations of police corruption and negligence in handling the case fueled tensions.
Bhatkal Town Police Inspector Gopi Krishna urged protesters to file formal complaints at the police station instead of disrupting highway traffic. Additional police forces dispersed the crowd, leading protesters to gather at a local social organization’s office to seek support and justice.
This incident highlights concerns over public safety and police responsiveness in addressing communal violence and ensuring justice for victims in Karnataka’s coastal town of Bhatkal.