MANGALURU: In a shocking incident, a Muslim man named Raheem, who served as the secretary of Masjid Kolthamajlu in Addoor, was brutally murdered in broad daylight in the coastal district of Mangaluru, Karnataka. The attack took place in the Irakodi area of Bantwal when Raheem, who also worked as a pick-up driver, was unloading sand along with his coworker, reported the National Herald.
According to police, unidentified assailants arrived on a bike and launched a violent attack on the two men. Raheem succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while his companion was critically injured and is currently receiving treatment. Bantwal Rural police have registered a case, and an investigation is ongoing.
The murder has triggered outrage among the local Muslim community. Hundreds gathered outside the residence of Nasir Lakkistar, the President of the Dakshina Kannada District Waqf Advisory Committee, demanding swift justice. The protestors warned that if arrests are not made immediately, a district-wide bandh would be observed on Wednesday, May 28.
There have been assaults on Muslims with choppers at more than 15 places over a month.
DK district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao condemned the murder and directed DG &IGP over phone, to take necessary measures to maintain law and order in the region.
