Jamaat-e-Islami Hind joins others in condemning the killing and urging peace amid growing communal tensions
Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa | Clarion India
BENGALURU – The brutal killing of Abdul Rahman, a young man known for his social service and association with a local mosque, in Kolthamajalu, Bantwal taluk of Mangaluru, has triggered shock and anger across coastal Karnataka. Abdul Rahman was the sole breadwinner of his family. Tuesday’s attack, carried out by two unidentified men wielding swords, also left another youth, Kalandar Shafi, critically injured.
Police have registered a case against 15 individuals, including Deepak and Sumit, who are reportedly acquaintances of Abdul Rahman and Kalandar Shafi. According to official sources, the attack took place while Abdul Rahman and Kalandar Shafi were engaged in routine work — loading sand from the river bank into a truck in the Kuriyal village area near Irakodi.
Witnesses and police reports reveal that Deepak, Sumit, and their group suddenly pulled Abdul Rahman from the driving seat and launched a violent assault using swords, knives, and rods. The attackers did not spare Shafi, who tried to intervene to save Abdul Rahman. Shafi suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest, back, and hand, highlighting the brutality of the attack.
Speaking on the incident, a local, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Abdul Rahman was a peaceful man, respected in our community. This kind of violent attack in broad daylight is shocking and terrifying for all of us.”
The funeral prayers of Abdul Rahman, attended by a large number of community members, were held in Kolthamajalu Jumma Masjid on Wednesday.
In response to the attack and the resulting tension, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders across Mangaluru until 6 pm on 30 May, aiming to prevent any further violence or unrest. Police have appealed to all citizens to maintain peace and not fall prey to rumours that could aggravate the situation.
Tuesday’s incident has come just weeks after the murder of Hindu leader Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru on 1 May, for which eight arrests have been made. The police have urged communities on both sides to avoid escalating tensions in these sensitive times.
Shafi, still recovering from his injuries, spoke briefly about the attack, stating, “We were just doing our work. There was no reason for this violence. I pray that justice is done, and peace returns to our area.”
‘Butchers Roaming with Swords’
Abdul Rahman’s sister, clearly distraught, tearfully questioned, “Butchers are roaming with swords in the streets — how can we send our children to school? The government is ignoring the security concerns of the people.”
Dakshina Kannada has witnessed three major violent incidents in the past month, raising concerns about escalating communal tensions. Civil rights groups warn of a dangerous escalation in communal incidents in the region.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, condemned the murder in the strongest terms. In a measured appeal, State President Dr Muhammad Saad Belgami urged the community not to be provoked into retaliation. “Let us not fall into the trap of revenge. Our response must be guided by justice and restraint,” he said.
He also urged the government to act decisively and bring the perpetrators and instigators to justice without delay.
Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Karnataka, also denounced the attack, calling it a product of rising hate speech and unchecked communal propaganda. Hussain Kodibengre, State Secretary of APCR, said: “Such incidents are no longer isolated. There is a deliberate attempt to incite youth through hate-filled rhetoric. The police must arrest not only the attackers but also those who fuel this atmosphere.”
The organisation demanded that the government immediately operationalise the promised Anti-Communal Task Force and ensure accountability within the police machinery. “Repeated killings show clear law and order failure in the district,” Hussain added.
Abdul Rahman’s death follows the lynching of Mohammed Ashraf on April 27 and the killing of Suhas Shetty on May 1 — both in Dakshina Kannada. Rights groups are calling for urgent intervention from the Home Department to prevent the coastal region from slipping further into violence.
Karnataka Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao condemned the attack, calling it “unjustifiable and deeply disturbing.” He added, “While the motive is still unclear, this act appears to be a calculated attempt to disturb peace in the area.” Rao said he was in touch with the home minister and senior police officials, calling on them to maintain strict law and order.
The tragedy follows a pattern of increasing attacks on Muslims in various parts of India. Recent months have seen disturbing incidents, including the murder of a Muslim youth in Haryana for wearing a skull cap. Many community leaders and rights activists say these attacks reflect a growing atmosphere of intolerance and religious targeting.
Local police are appealing to residents to stay calm and avoid rumours. “We urge everyone to maintain peace and trust the authorities to handle the situation,” said a police spokesperson.
As the community mourns, the call for peace, justice, and government accountability grows louder. For Abdul Rahman’s family and many others living in fear, silence is no longer an option.
