BENGALURU/MANGALURU: Mohammad Ashraf, the 40-year-old man lynched in Mangaluru for allegedly shouting pro-Pakistan slogans during a cricket match, was mentally ill and had a history of psychiatric issues, his family has revealed. His brother, Abdul Jabbar, said Ashraf had been undergoing treatment for mental health conditions, frequently wandered, and did odd jobs for survival.
A native of Pulpalli village in Sultan Bathery taluk, Wayanad district, Kerala, Ashraf was assaulted by a mob near the Bhatra Kallurti temple in Kudupu on April 27. He sustained severe internal injuries and later died. A postmortem confirmed his death was caused by trauma and shock resulting from the beating.
While Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented that chanting pro-Pakistan slogans could be considered “betrayal of the nation” and “treason,” he added that a thorough investigation is underway and that the culprits will face legal consequences.
However, Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified that the allegation that Ashraf shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” originated from the mob involved in the assault. He noted that nearly 20 individuals have been arrested so far, with more likely to be held as over 30 people were reportedly involved. The primary accused has been identified as Sachin, an autorickshaw driver, along with others including Devadas, Saideep, and Manjunath.
This case marks Karnataka’s first use of Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which provides for life imprisonment or the death penalty in cases of mob lynching.
The incident has sparked strong condemnation from various Muslim organizations, which have called for suo motu action against those who allegedly delivered inflammatory speeches inciting violence. They also voiced alarm over the rise in moral policing and mob justice.
Ashraf’s identity was confirmed by family members who arrived in Mangaluru on Tuesday night. His body was subsequently transported to his hometown in Kerala. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal confirmed the identification and said investigations are ongoing.
