No FIR against BJP leader, politicians silent on lynching of Muslim man based on his religious identity

Three days after a 38-year-old Muslim man named Ashraf, a daily wage labourer from Kerala, was brutally beaten to death in Mangaluru by a group of men reportedly linked to the Bajrang Dal and the BJP for allegedly shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’—a claim contested by eyewitnesses who said the scuffle began when a man named Sachin attacked him for drinking water meant for players—the man accused of provoking the mob remains at large. He has not even been named in the FIR.

It has been alleged that the police have not taken the alleged role of Ravindra Nayak, husband of a former BJP councillor, seriously, even though he is said to have provoked the mob and remains at large. The incident took place during a cricket tournament attended by hundreds, yet questions have been raised over the slow pace and direction of the investigation, The News Minute report suggested.

Ashraf, a resident of Wayanad who was reportedly mentally ill, was attacked by a mob in Kudupu on April 27. Eyewitness accounts gathered by activists suggest that the attack began when Ashraf was questioned about drinking water meant for players and was then accused of raising pro-Pakistan slogans.

Activists have contested this narrative, pointing out that Ashraf did not understand the local language and appeared mentally unwell, which may have contributed to the misunderstanding that escalated into violence.

Although 20 individuals have been arrested in connection with the lynching and the FIR names 19 accused, Ravindra Nayak has not been included, despite repeated claims from local residents and activists about his involvement. Nayak, known locally as 'Pistol Ravi', is believed to wield significant influence in the area, which some claim has made witnesses reluctant to come forward. His continued absence has deepened suspicions of political protection and deliberate police inaction.

Local activists have also criticised the manner in which the police initially handled the case. It was first registered as an unnatural death, with officers citing a lack of visible injuries on the body. Only after the post-mortem confirmed signs of brutal assault did the police register a lynching case under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Activists have expressed disbelief at the police’s apparent ignorance of the situation, especially since the lynching occurred in a public setting in broad daylight during a well-attended local event.

The FIR, based on a complaint by a resident of Kulashekar, claims that Ashraf shouted pro-Pakistan slogans, which allegedly triggered the mob violence. However, the same complainant later filed a fresh complaint, stating that an earlier version filed by another individual was false. Activists have highlighted inconsistencies in the police response and say that from the evening of the incident itself, news of the killing had spread widely, which makes the delayed recognition of the case as mob lynching even more suspicious.

Photographs of Ashraf’s body have further raised concerns, as they indicate signs of a physical assault. His clothes were muddy, his body bore injuries, and he had no footwear, contradicting the initial police claim that he may have fallen due to inebriation. Despite the availability of such evidence and testimonies pointing to a larger group of attackers, the police did not immediately act on key leads.

The political response has also drawn criticism. Statements from senior political leaders have either focused on the alleged slogans or praised the police for prompt action, while avoiding direct condemnation of the lynching or addressing the alleged role of rightwing groups. The Chief Minister and Home Minister both made remarks that activists believe shifted focus from the act of violence to the purported slogans shouted by the victim.

In a belated effort to address mounting criticism, the police suspended three personnel on May 1 for dereliction of duty. These officers had either failed to report the lynching despite being aware of it or withheld information from senior officials. One officer had even used spectators from the tournament as witnesses during the initial inquiry, raising further questions about procedural integrity.

The CPI(M) has demanded that the investigation be transferred to a Special Investigation Team, citing a lack of progress and fear among local residents. With no clear political condemnation and with Nayak yet to be apprehended, activists remain sceptical about whether justice will be served in the case.