Mangaluru mob lynching: Malayali Muslim man killed in Karnataka, police book assailants

Ashraf, a Malayali man who was lynched by a mob in Mangaluru on April 27, had been struggling with mental health issues for a long time, according to sources close to his family. His body was found near the Bhatra Kallurti Temple, close to a cricket ground in Kudupu.

Ashraf was reportedly attacked around 3pm, and his body was discovered at approximately 5.30pm. Police say more than 25 people were involved in the assault.

The accused have been booked under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with hate crimes and mob violence.

Ashraf's family hails from Kottakkal Parappur but has been based in Pulpally, Wayanad, for over two decades. 

“The family has been involved in the bakery and home goods trade in Pulpally for more than 20 years. Ashraf had worked there with his father and brother,” said Pulpally panchayat president Siddique.

Siddique added that the family had taken Ashraf to several places for treatment related to his mental health. “He rarely spoke to people. He would often walk long distances, avoiding buses or other vehicles. It’s possible he walked all the way to Mangaluru,” Siddique said.

Notably, the family was unaware that Ashraf was in Mangaluru. They only learned of his presence in the neighbouring state after news of his death reached them.

“Ashraf had not been living in Pulpally for many years. However, around two months ago, he briefly returned to the area, collected some money from a relative, and left. He didn’t meet his father or his uncle,” Siddique said. Ashraf had four siblings.

While there have been allegations that Ashraf was lynched for raising pro-Pakistan slogans, Siddique strongly refuted any such claims. “Although Ashraf had mental health issues, he was never involved in any anti-national activity,” he said, expressing suspicion over the actual motive behind the killing.