Ashraf Killers tried to Create Communal Disturbance in Bantwal- IGP
Mangaluru: “Five persons have been arrested in the Ashraf Kalayi murder case. Their main intention was to Create Communal unrest in Bantwal”, said the IGP of Western Range Harishekaran in a press meet held at his office here on June 24.
Addressing the mediapersons Harishekaran said, “On June 21 at around 11:30 am, around 6 to 7 youth came on motorbikes and brutally murdered Ashraf Kalayi. In this connection a case was registered in the Batwal Town Police station. After the incident, we formed four teams to investigate the case. On June 24, we arrested 5 persons who were involved in the killing of Ashraf Kalayi.”
The arrested have been identified as Pavan Kumar alias Punda (24) from Kumdelu Bantwal, Santhosh alias Santhu (23) from Kanemaru Thumbay, Shivaprasad alias Shivu (24) from Bantwal. Ranjith (28) from Kumdelu and Abhin Rai alias Abhi (23) from Thenkabellur.
Harishekaran further said, “The accused except Santhosh alias Santhu have criminal records. Abhin Rai was involved in 2015 Tippu rioting case, Shivaprasad had created communal unrest in Thumbay and was involved in two other cases. Ranjith is involved in 2 cases. In 2012 Pavan had placed the head of a Swine in the Mosque to create communal violence and is also involved in 5 other assault cases.”
Harishekaran also said, “In the Ashraf murder case, under the direction of Bharat and Divyaraj all the other accused had planned to finish Ashraf. On June 21, the accused followed Ashraf with machetes and knives and hacked him to death. After the murder the accused fled on motorbikes. During the investigation, the accused have revealed that they used 4 motorbikes, machetes and knives to kill Ashraf. The accused were arrested in Padubidri and produced before the court where they have remanded to 5 days police custody. We will investigate the case thoroughly and find out the persons behind this murder. The accused Shivaprasad, Ranjith, Pavan and Santhosh had attempted to kill Unaid on June 20 in Bantwal. In this connection, a case was registered in the Bantwal Rural police station. We will investigate the accused in this case also. Another 3 persons will be arrested soon. We are also preparing a list of 20 persons who are involved in creating communal violence in Bantwal and invoke the Goonda Act. Whoever and whichever caste or creed they belong, they will not be spared. Goonda Act will be invoked on all those who create communal violence.”
Harishekaran also stressed that the Bantwal Circle Inspector in-charge Belliappa, ACP Valentine, CCB Team and SP Sudheer have worked hard to arrest the accused. In a day or two more arrests will be made in this case.”
SP Sudheer Reddy was also present.