Tragic Cricket Match Dispute Leads to Mob Lynching in Mangaluru
Violent Incident During Cricket Match
Mangaluru: A man was reportedly killed by a mob during a cricket match dispute on the outskirts of Mangaluru, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals, according to police reports on Tuesday.
Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara labeled the incident as 'mob lynching' and stated that he has yet to receive a detailed report but emphasized the seriousness of the case.
The violent altercation took place around 3 PM on April 27 near the Bhatra Kallurti temple in Kudupu village, as per police accounts.
The victim, whose name has not been confirmed, suffered severe injuries from being struck with sticks, resulting in internal bleeding and shock.
He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, police confirmed.
During a press briefing, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal explained, 'Initially, we registered an unnatural death case and began an investigation after discovering the body near the temple. A post-mortem conducted on April 28 revealed that the death was caused by multiple blunt force injuries and lack of medical care.'
A case has been filed under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which addresses murder committed by a group of five or more individuals, based on a complaint from a local resident.
So far, 15 suspects have been apprehended, and authorities are searching for at least 10 additional individuals.
The primary suspect, identified as Sachin from Kudupu, is already in custody. The law invoked in this case is severe—if found guilty, the accused could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. This section was applied due to the involvement of more than five individuals in the crime.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining suspects, with police analyzing CCTV footage and mobile data to piece together the events.
Home Minister Parameshwara addressed reporters, stating, 'We have confirmed a mob lynching incident, but the victim's identity remains unknown. Reports suggest he was shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' during a local cricket match, which incited a group to attack him. He did not die immediately but succumbed later due to shock.'
The Minister urged for peace and unity, asserting, 'I have not yet received the full report, but we are taking this matter very seriously. Such incidents should not occur anywhere, including Karnataka.'
He added, 'Karnataka is known for its peaceful nature, and we do not condone such actions. If the victim had indeed made inflammatory remarks, he should have been reported to the authorities rather than subjected to violence.'
Dinesh Gundu Rao, the District In-charge Minister for Dakshina Kannada, condemned the murder and instructed police to take stringent action against those responsible.
'A verbal dispute arose during the cricket match between players and a young man from a different community, leading to the assault,' he noted.
He confirmed that several suspects have been detained and a thorough investigation is in progress.
Rao emphasized the need for communal harmony, stating, 'I urge the public to maintain peace and not succumb to rumors.'