Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 30: District Congress president Harish Kumar has alleged that the mob lynching incident at Kudupu, which led to the death of Ashraf, was provoked by BJP representative Pistol Ravi.

He said that migrant workers play a vital role in the district’s workforce and accused Pistol Ravi, husband of a former corporator, of inciting local youth, which ultimately led to the killing of an innocent man. “The police too failed in their duty and misled higher authorities by initially classifying the case as an unnatural death. So far, 20 people have been arrested. This is not the first time youth have been misled into violence—many are in jail today because of such provocation,” he stated.

Drawing a sharp comparison, Harish Kumar questioned, “What is the difference between the terrorists who killed 26 people in Pahalgam and those who killed an innocent man in Kudupu?” He said the Pahalgam attack was carried out by Pakistani terrorists, while in the Kudupu case, some individuals were targeting a particular community. “It should also be noted that Muslims in Kashmir saved 11 families, including a woman from Shivamogga. Even a pony rider lost his life—yet no one speaks of their sacrifice,” he added.

Responding to a query about home minister Parameshwar’s remark on the ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogan, Harish Kumar said, “Parameshwar clarified that his comment was based on what the attackers claimed during the incident.”

When asked about his absence following the lynching, he replied, “It is not mandatory for the district-in-charge minister to visit the spot immediately. I am scheduled to visit the district on May 3 and have been in regular contact with the police commissioner. There is no rule that obligates an immediate visit.”

He concluded by saying that a demand has been made to suspend the inspector of Mangaluru Rural Police Station for misleading senior officers in the case.