Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JM)
Mangaluru, Jun 28: The murder of SDPI leader Ashraf was not out of personal enmity but a pre-planned murder by the members of the Sangh Parivar," alleged Azeez Farangipet, state secretary of SDPI on Wednesday, June 28.
Addressing a press meet here, Azeez congratulated the Dakshina Kannada police who have been successful in arresting six accused in the Ashraf murder case and added, "The main person involved in the murder, Bharath Kumar, is still absconding. The police have been successful in arresting the murderers but it is also the duty of the police to catch hold of the people who have supported the murderers, be it in the form of money or shelter. They also should be considered as accomplices in the murder.
"It is not just Ashraf’s case, a series of attacks on the Muslim community has been happening over the past few months. A Pudu gram panchayat member was threathned by the Bajrang Dal, an attempt was made on the life of gram panchayat waterman Kareem, and there were two stabbing cases in Kalladka and one in Thumbay.
"Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat is the main reason behind Ashraf's murder. He provoked the culprits and also provided all the support they needed. Bharath Kumar was seen with Prabhakar Bhat, Sharan Pumpwell, Padmanabh Kottari and other leaders in a recent press meet, which gives rise to suspicions that these leaders are providing shelter to the absconding Bharath Kumar in order to conceal their own involvement," Azeez alleged.
"The people responsible for this murder, including Prabhakar Bhat and Sharan Pumpwell, should be arrested and be thoroughly interrogated on their role in the murder. This would give justice to Ashraf’s family and would also help in maintaining the peace in the district," he said.
"SDPI also urges the administration and the government to take measures to ensure the safety of the minority community and strict laws to stop the activities of the Sangh Parivar activists who are filled with communal hatred," he added.
Athaulla Jokatte, who was present at the press meet, said, "The government has failed in controlling the communal clashes. If they (government) really have guts, then let them put Prabhakar Bhat and Sharan Pumpwell behind bars irrespective of the pressure and the consequences."
Azeez also said that SDPI will hold a huge protest named 'Kalladka Chalo', with support from other organisations, and call for a bandh of highways, apart from gheraoing the deputy commissioner's office on this issue.
Jaleel K, Iqbal I M R, Aiyaz K and Sahul S H were present.