The chilling murder of the young man during a cricket match in Mangaluru sparks outrage; case filed against 19 individuals
NEW DELHI – In the latest incident of rising violence against Muslims in India, a young man was brutally murdered in Mangaluru, Karnataka, after a scuffle with a group during a local cricket match. The tragic event has added fuel to the growing concern over the safety of the country’s Muslim minority in the face of increasing mob violence.
The incident occurred on Sunday (April 27) afternoon near the Bhatra Kallurthi temple in Kudupu village, located on the outskirts of Mangaluru. The location was hosting a local cricket tournament, with over 100 players from ten different teams participating. According to eyewitnesses, the victim had an argument with a man named Sachin, which quickly escalated into a violent scuffle.
The situation took a brutal turn when a mob of individuals attacked the young man, beating him severely with sticks, punches, and kicks. “It was terrifying. They beat him mercilessly. Some of us tried to stop them, but we too were attacked,” one eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, said. Despite attempts to intervene, the young man was subjected to a brutal mob assault, which led to his death hours later.
The victim, whose identity has been confirmed as a Muslim youth, was discovered by police around 5.30 pm, lying near the temple grounds. Authorities immediately took the body into their custody and sent it for post-mortem examination.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal confirmed that an initial investigation labelled the death as unnatural, but the post-mortem report, released soon after, revealed horrifying details. The report, conducted at Wenlock District Hospital, indicated that the young man died from multiple stab wounds to his back, coupled with severe internal bleeding and shock. Additionally, the post-mortem showed signs of extreme physical abuse, with marks of beating found on his hands, legs, chest, and even his private parts.
“The post-mortem report confirmed that the victim was stabbed multiple times and beaten severely. His injuries were horrific, and it’s clear that he died because of the violence inflicted upon him,” stated Agarwal, adding that the lack of immediate medical attention played a significant role in the tragic outcome.
The police have now named 19 individuals as accused in the case, with Sachin, the primary suspect, already taken into custody. Deepak Kumar, a resident, filed the complaint, and an FIR has been registered. “A case has been filed under serious sections. If the allegations are proven true, the perpetrators could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty,” Agarwal remarked.
As part of the investigation, the police are actively reviewing CCTV footage and mobile data in an attempt to identify other individuals involved in the crime. “We are using all available digital evidence to piece together the events leading up to this tragic death,” said a police officer familiar with the case.
This incident follows a troubling pattern of violence against Muslims in India, with similar attacks in other states, including Uttar Pradesh. The murder in Mangaluru comes on the heels of the controversial Pahalgam incident, in which tensions over religious slogans erupted in violence, highlighting the growing unrest in the country.
Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara acknowledged the severity of the case and expressed his shock over the escalating violence against Muslims. “Such incidents are deeply concerning. We must ensure that justice is served,” he said.
Local leaders and activists have condemned the murder, demanding swift action against the perpetrators. “This incident is a grim reminder of the growing hostility and violence faced by Muslims in this country. We demand immediate justice,” said a prominent Muslim community leader from Mangaluru, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
The disturbing rise in attacks against Muslims has raised alarm across India, with many fearing that such incidents could lead to further divisions in society. Religious leaders and civil rights groups have been vocal in their calls for government intervention to ensure the protection of minorities and curb the rising wave of hate crimes.
“This is not just an isolated incident; it is part of a broader pattern of increasing violence against Muslims,” said Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). “The authorities must take stronger action to address the root causes of this violence and hold the guilty parties accountable.”
The Karnataka murder case has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Muslim communities in India, where hate crimes and mob violence against religious minorities have become an alarming norm. As the investigation unfolds, the question remains: will justice prevail for this young Muslim man, or will the cycle of violence continue unchecked?
