Bengaluru/Mangaluru : In the wake of the tragic death of Abdul Rehman in Mangaluru on Tuesday, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has strongly criticized the police and district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for their alleged inaction in curbing hate speech and communal tensions in Dakshina Kannada, reported the Hindu.
PUCL highlighted the lack of response from law enforcement, citing a letter they submitted on May 12, 2025, to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Mangaluru. “There has been a deafening silence from Mangalore Police regarding the hate speeches we brought to their attention. They claim to have filed FIRs, but there is no clarity on how many or against whom. What concrete steps have they taken to counter the lawlessness created by hate-filled propaganda?” PUCL questioned in a statement.
The organisation pointed out that the consistent silence and failure of the authorities to act has further emboldened individuals, ultimately leading to the loss of another innocent life. PUCL demanded accountability from the Mangaluru Commissioner of Police and Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Meanwhile, large crowds gathered at the mortuary of a private hospital in Deralakatte, where Abdul Rehman’s body was kept. After the autopsy, the body was transported to a masjid in Madani Nagar, Kutthar for ritual washing and later taken to Koltamajalu for burial around noon.
As news of his death spread, social media messages called for traders to voluntarily shut their businesses on Wednesday. Consequently, many shops in Ullal, Surathkal, and nearby areas remained closed. Large crowds were seen along the route of the funeral procession, especially at B.C. Road.
Incidents of violence were also reported. A private bus bound for Pakshigere was stoned near Suraj International Hotel in Surathkal at around 2 p.m., and a commercial building in B.C. Road was also targeted. While city buses continued to operate, Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners Association President Aziz Parthipady confirmed that ridership was significantly lower than usual.
This latest episode has intensified concerns over growing communal unrest and the apparent indifference of authorities in the region.
