JIH Karnataka Condemns Bantwal Killing, Urges Peace Amid Growing Communal Tensions
– Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa
Bengaluru: The brutal killing of Abdul Rahman, a young man known for his social service and association with a local mosque, in Kolthamajalu, Bantwal taluk, has triggered shock and anger across coastal Karnataka. He was the sole breadwinner of his family. The attack, carried out by two unidentified men wielding swords, also left another youth critically injured.
Rahman, who had no political affiliations, was attacked while unloading sand from his pick-up vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him.
His sister, visibly shattered, tearfully questioned, “Butchers are roaming with swords in the streets – how can we send our children to school? The government is ignoring the security concerns of the people.”
This incident marks the third major act of violence in Dakshina Kannada within a month. Civil rights groups warn of a dangerous escalation in communal incidents in the region.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, condemned the murder in the strongest terms. In a measured appeal, State President Dr. Muhammad Saad Belgami urged the community not to be provoked into retaliation. “Let us not fall into the trap of revenge. Our response must be guided by justice and restraint,” he said.
He also urged the government to act decisively and bring the perpetrators and instigators to justice without delay.
Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Karnataka, also denounced the attack, calling it a product of rising hate speech and unchecked communal propaganda. Hussain Kodibengre, State Secretary of APCR, said: “Such incidents are no longer isolated. There is a deliberate attempt to incite youth through hate-filled rhetoric. The police must arrest not only the attackers but also those who fuel this atmosphere.”
The organisation demanded that the government immediately operationalise the promised Anti-Communal Task Force and ensure accountability within the police machinery. “Repeated killings show clear law and order failure in the district,” Hussain added.
Rahman’s death follows the lynching of Mohammed Ashraf on April 27 and the killing of Suhas Shetty on May 1 – both in Dakshina Kannada. Rights groups are calling for urgent intervention from the Home Department to prevent the coastal region from slipping further into violence.
As the community mourns, the call for peace, justice, and government accountability grows louder. For Abdul Rahman’s family, and many others living in fear, silence is no longer an option.
[with inputs from Mangaluru]
