Mangaluru — The brutal lynching of a mentally challenged man from Kerala in Mangaluru has once again exposed the growing menace of mob violence and impunity. The victim, identified as Ashraf, a scrap collector residing in Pulpally, Wayanad, was beaten to death during a cricket match at Kudupu on April 28, reported the Siasat.
A postmortem report completed on July 15 has revealed chilling details of the assault. Ashraf sustained 35 external injuries, including abrasions, contusions, lacerations, and tramline contusions caused by blunt cylindrical objects like sticks and cricket bats. The injuries were confirmed to be fresh and inflicted while he was alive, indicating a violent and deliberate attack.
According to forensic expert Dr. K S Rashmi, who prepared the postmortem report, the pattern of injuries also suggests the use of sharp objects. The autopsy attributed Ashraf’s death to a “cumulative effect of multiple blunt force injuries,” including internal bleeding and traumatic shock. Notably, the injuries affected vital areas such as his head, limbs, back, buttocks, and genitals.
Despite the severity of the violence, local police had initially registered a case of unnatural death, alleging that Ashraf, under the influence of alcohol, had fallen and died. However, this narrative has been refuted by the medical findings and independent fact-finding teams.
The attack was reportedly orchestrated by Ravindra Nayak, husband of BJP corporator Sangeetha Nayak, along with members of a Hindutva outfit named “Samrat Guys.” Ashraf was accused of shouting “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans, a claim now widely dismissed as a fabricated excuse to justify the mob violence.
A comprehensive fact-finding report titled “Lost Fraternity: A Mob Lynching in Broad Daylight” by a collective of rights organisations condemned the incident and criticised authorities for their inaction and attempts to cover up the hate crime.
Ashraf’s murder adds to a growing list of hate-driven lynchings in India, particularly targeting minorities and marginalized individuals. Despite the autopsy confirming a brutal killing, justice for Ashraf remains uncertain amid police negligence and political influence.
