Mangaluru, 1 May

Three police personnel have been suspended for alleged delay in investigating the mob lynching of Ashraf, a 38-year-old daily wage labourer from Kerala, who was beaten to death on 27 April near Bhatra Kallurti temple in Kudupu village, on the outskirts of Mangaluru.

Inspector Shivakumar, Head Constable Chandra P, and Constable Ellalinga of the Mangaluru Rural Police were suspended on Tuesday night, following public outrage and political pressure.

Ashraf, a resident of Wayanad, was allegedly attacked by a mob of 25–30 people after being accused of shouting "Pakistan Zindabad" while crossing a cricket ground. However, locals and reports suggest he was mentally unwell and was attacked after drinking water from a group nearby. Eyewitnesses claim he was beaten with bats and wooden sticks. Despite intervention attempts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Police have arrested 20 individuals so far. Ravindra Nayak, husband of former BJP corporator Sangeetha Nayak, is also being investigated for allegedly forcing bystanders to delete videos of the assault.

Maktoob Media reported that the attackers were affiliated with RSS and Bajrang Dal. The post-mortem confirmed Ashraf died from internal bleeding and shock due to blunt force trauma. Lack of timely medical aid contributed to his death, and his body was reportedly left unattended for two hours.

Senior Congress leader B. Ramanatha Rai has demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team, citing recurring lynchings and rising communal tension in Dakshina Kannada. He said both communities distrust police investigations and urged swift, impartial action.

Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal said they are investigating all angles, including the role of Nayak.