Bantwal: SDPI stages protest demanding SIT probe into Ashraf and Rahiman murders

Bantwal: SDPI stages protest demanding SIT probe into Ashraf and Rahiman murders

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, July 9, 2025: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), Dakshina Kannada district unit, staged a massive protest at BC Road Kaikamba Junction demanding that the recent murders of Ashraf Vayanadu and Abdul Rahiman be investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The party also called for government compensation to the victims’ families and immediate arrest of those involved in the conspiracy behind the killings.

Speaking at the protest, SDPI Mangaluru Rural District Secretary Nawaz Katte said, “While individual financial assistance given to the families of the deceased is appreciated, such gestures do not ensure justice for the innocent who were murdered. Both murder cases must be handed over to the SIT. Those who conspired the killings, supplied weapons, and trained the assailants must all be arrested under stringent sections of law to ensure justice for the victims.”

 

 

 

SDPI state leader Athavulla Jokatte added, “The government is intimidating those who question it by issuing notices. They accuse people of being ‘Pro-SDPI’ just for raising questions. But in reality, SDPI is only echoing the demands of the common people. The public is now aware of these tactics. The government must immediately hand over the investigation to the SIT and provide fair compensation to the bereaved families.”

"When rowdy-sheeter murder cases can be handed over to the NIA, who is obstructing the formation of an SIT for the investigation of the murder of innocents?" he added

SDPI Bantwal constituency secretary Akbar Ali Ponnoodi said, “We always raise our voices for the oppressed. The brutal killings of Ashraf and Rahiman cannot be forgotten easily. In a Muslim-majority constituency, when Muslim candidates win elections with Muslim votes but refuse to speak out about Muslim issues, it is time for the community to reflect on who they choose as their representatives.”

The protestors raised strong slogans against the government’s alleged delay in the investigation.

Present at the event were SDPI Mangaluru City District President Abdul Jaleel K, City District General Secretary Jamal Jokatte, SDPI Mangaluru Rural District Vice-President Munish Ali, General Secretary Siddique Puttur, City Vice-President Ashraf Addoor, Bantwal Constituency President Shahul Hameed S H, along with several party leaders, activists, and supporters.

The protest was hosted and concluded with a vote of thanks by SDPI Mangaluru Rural District Secretary Ashraf Talapady.