Ashraf, a 36-year-old man from Kerala, was lynched by a mob in Mangaluru on 28 April. He was a native of Pulpalli village in Wayanad’s Sultan Bathery taluk. He had been working as a manual labourer in Mangaluru for the past month.
The incident took place near a cricket match venue in Kudupu, about 10 km from the city centre. Police say a scuffle broke out at the site. It quickly escalated into a brutal mob assault.
The attackers alleged Ashraf shouted pro-Pakistan slogans. However, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal said the motive remains under investigation.
Ashraf's body was found near the Bhatra Kallurti Temple in Kudupu. His brother, Abdul Jabbar, said Ashraf had a mild mental disability. He added that his brother had no links to any political or religious group.
“They told us his body was left there for nearly two hours,” Jabbar said.
At first, police registered the case as an unnatural death. But following the autopsy report, it was reclassified as a mob lynching. The post-mortem confirmed Ashraf died due to internal injuries. The report also cited delayed medical aid as a contributing factor.
So far, police have arrested 20 men. They believe at least 25 people were involved. The first to attack Ashraf was allegedly T Sachin, a 26-year-old autorickshaw driver from Kudupu.
Other arrested individuals include Devadas, Manjunath, Saideep, Nitesh Kumar, Dheekshith Kumar, and several others.
Police have invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include charges related to mob violence and culpable homicide.
Multiple teams are investigating. They are collecting CCTV footage, witness statements, and mobile tower data.
A minister in Karnataka has issued a strong warning against those spreading hate or disturbing peace in the state. He promised strict action against anyone trying to create tension or divide communities.
Speaking to the media, the minister said violence has no place in a peaceful society. He urged people to stay calm and trust the police and legal system.
He also warned that spreading rumours or false information would not be tolerated. “Anyone trying to create fear or anger in the community will be arrested,” he said.
Police have stepped up security in sensitive areas. They are working with local leaders to maintain peace and prevent further trouble.
Officials are also keeping a close watch on social media. They are using digital platforms to stop the spread of fake news and misinformation. People have been asked to report any suspicious content or activity online.
Ashraf’s body was returned to his family. His funeral was held in Kottakkal, Kerala, on April 30.
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