Karnataka CM orders crackdown after masjid secretary murder

MANGALURU/BENGALURU: As Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada continues to be tense following the murder of Koltmajalu Juma Masjid, Abdul Rahiman, on Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah direct police to crack down on those indulging in violence and probe if there's a link between the recent murders in the district.

"I told police to act tough and probe the motive behind the recent killings," Siddaramaiah said in Bengaluru.

Police suspect communal or personal reasons behind the killing of Rahiman (32), who worked as a pickup vehicle driver. He and his co-worker, Kalandar Shafi (29), were unloading sand outside a customer's house in Kuriyala village when they were attacked by a group of men on motorcycles. Rahiman died on the spot, while Shafi is in ICU.

The FIR names 15 people, two of whom were identified as Deepak and Sumith. Shafi told police the assailants were known to him and Rahiman. Mohammad Nisar, a fellow driver who filed the police complaint, said: "While we were unloading sand ... about 15 people carrying swords, machetes and rods attacked Rahiman, who was in the driver's seat. When Shafi intervened, he too was assaulted."

The victim was laid to rest Wednesday amid tight security. His funeral procession drew a massive crowd, bringing traffic to a standstill. Amid simmering tension, several shops remained shut. Stone-pelting was reported in Surathkal, where two buses were damaged. Prohibitory orders under section 163 of BNSS remained in force across Bantwal, Puttur, Belthangady, Kadaba and Sullia taluks, and additional police force was deployed.

Mohammad Azmal, a relative of Rahiman, said: "These murders are happening for political reasons. I request govt to take stern action against the accused and stop these retaliatory killings."

Rahiman's killing follows the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru on May 1. One of the accused, Naushad was attacked in prison earlier this month, after which he was moved to Mysuru jail.