Synopsis
In a shocking statement, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that supporting Pakistan equates to treason. This remark comes in the wake of a tragic mob lynching incident in Mangaluru, where a man was killed for allegedly shouting pro-Pakistan slogans. As investigations unfold, the implications of such a statement raise significant concerns about communal tensions and justice.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemns support for Pakistan as treason.
- Investigation ongoing with 20 arrests made related to the mob lynching.
- Victim identified as Mohammad Ashraf, allegedly killed for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans.
- Police invoke BNS Act for mob lynching cases, highlighting serious legal implications.
- Community organizations demand accountability for inflammatory speeches.
Bengaluru, April 30 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Wednesday that anyone who supports Pakistan is mistaken, emphasizing that such actions equate to a betrayal of the nation and represent treason. He made these remarks while addressing the disturbing mob lynching incident that occurred in Mangaluru city.
While speaking to journalists in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “Those responsible for the heinous act of mob lynching will face justice. The investigation is currently underway, with 15 individuals apprehended to date. We will ensure that appropriate action is taken once the inquiry is completed.”
“Expressing support for Pakistan is utterly incorrect. It is treason. Do you comprehend?” he reiterated.
On the same day, Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that the number of arrests connected to the mob lynching incident has reached 20.
The Karnataka Police are treating this case with utmost seriousness, particularly since Mangaluru is recognized as a communally sensitive area.
Muslim organizations have approached the Superintendent of Police in Mangaluru district, urging that suo motu cases be initiated against individuals who allegedly delivered inflammatory speeches that incited the mob lynching.
They have also raised alarms about the increasing incidents of moral policing in the district by Hindu activists.
Muslim leaders claim that incendiary speeches made by Hindu activists, in reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, incited the mob lynching.
Additionally, they criticized the police for delays in the investigation and condemned the initial police statement, which suggested that the incident stemmed from a minor issue.
However, police sources reported on Wednesday that the victim was killed by a mob of over 30 people for allegedly shouting the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad.’
The victim has been identified as Mohammad Ashraf, aged between 35 and 40 years, and he hailed from Ullapalli village near Manandawadi in the neighboring state of Kerala.
Authorities have confirmed that his relatives have arrived in Mangaluru to retrieve the body. The family has claimed that he was mentally challenged.
Reports indicate that the victim allegedly shouted the ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogan at a cricket ground, which led to the assault by individuals engaged in cricket matches there.
Karnataka police have detained 20 individuals in relation to the case and have identified over 30 others involved.
For the first time, the police have invoked Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, specifically designed to address mob lynching, which stipulates either the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The primary suspect has been identified as Sachin, an auto driver. Others arrested include Devadas, Saideep, Manjunath, among others. The husband of a former corporator is also under police scrutiny.
