Bengaluru, Apr 30 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday termed the raising of pro-Pakistan slogans in Kudupu near Mangaluru as "an act of treason" and said 15 people have been arrested in connection with the mob lynching incident, currently under investigation.
"Whoever raises pro-Pakistan slogans, it is wrong – it is an act of treason. An investigation is underway, and 15 people have been arrested in connection with the lynching incident," the Chief Minister told reporters in Bengaluru, responding to questions on the violence that shook the coastal city earlier this week.
The lynching incident, which reportedly occurred following allegations of celebratory sloganeering after a local cricket match, has triggered tension in the region and led to heavy police deployment to prevent any flareup.
The police have registered multiple cases and are examining video footage and social media content as part of the probe.
The victim has been identified as Ashraf, a resident of Pulpalli village in Wayanad district, Kerala. According to police reports, the incident occurred near the Bhatra Kallurti Temple in Kudupu on April 27 during a local cricket match.
An altercation between Ashraf and an auto-rickshaw driver escalated, leading to a group assault involving over 25 individuals. Ashraf sustained multiple injuries and was declared dead at the hospital.
Home Minister G Parameshwara also addressed the incident, urging the public to maintain peace and harmony. He emphasised that taking the law into one's own hands is unacceptable, regardless of any offensive slogans that may have been uttered.
Police have registered a case under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which pertains to murders committed by groups of five or more individuals. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities analyzing CCTV footage and mobile data to identify additional suspects.
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