Mangaluru: The parents of Abdul Rahman, also known as Rahim or Monu (34), who was brutally murdered in Kagudde on Tuesday, have made an emotional appeal for justice, insisting on their son’s innocence and demanding the harshest punishment for those responsible for his death.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati, his grieving parents, Abdul Khader and Asia, tearfully said, “We are very poor. Our son was innocent. He never troubled anyone. He was simply doing his work. They killed him without any reason. Now his two young children are orphaned. We want justice. The murderers must be punished severely.”
Locals remember Abdul Rahman as a kind-hearted and sociable man. He served as the general secretary of the local mosque and had no ties to any political or extremist groups, according to his family.
Despite heavy rains, a large crowd from the village gathered for his funeral, many expressing outrage at what they described as a worsening law and order situation in Dakshina Kannada.
“This kind of targeted killing never used to happen here,” said an elderly mourner. “Now it seems like serial murders are taking place. The Home Minister has failed in his responsibilities and should resign.”
Amid growing tensions, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday emphasized the need for peace and communal harmony in Dakshina Kannada, which has been rocked by recent murders, including that of Abdul Rahman on May 27 in Bantwal. Prohibitory orders are in place in the area until May 30.
Speaking after a meeting with Congress MLC B K Hariprasad in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister stated, “We discussed the current situation in Mangaluru. There should be no hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Communal harmony must be restored.”
He affirmed that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved in the recent violence, regardless of their influence. “No one is above the law. Only the law stands above all,” he said.
On the question of forming an anti-communal task force, Siddaramaiah responded that the matter would be discussed. He also mentioned plans to hold a meeting on the rain situation in the state with top officials on Friday.
Police have so far detained three suspects in connection with Abdul Rahman’s murder, including the prime accused Deepak and Sumith. The incident follows closely after the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty on May 1, raising further concerns about spiraling violence in the coastal region.
