Karnataka: SDPI leader's murder sparks tension

Mangaluru: An autorickshaw driver, who was also the Ammunje Zone president of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), was hacked to death by a group of around six people near BC Road on Wednesday. 

Following the incident, some places witnessed stone-throwing and shops lowered their shutters in Kaikamba, Kalladka and Farangipet. Considering the tense situation, the district magistrate imposed Section 144 of CrPC in all taluks of the district, except Mangaluru city police limits, till June 27.

The auto driver, Ashraf of Ammunje village was killed around noon on Wednesday at Benjanapadau, when he was driving his rickshaw for Seenappa Poojary. They were returning after collecting beedis when the gang waylaid the rickshaw. 

Ashraf and Seenappa tried to escape when they saw the gang with lethal weapons. Ashraf was hacked to death near Seenappa’s house. Though it was not clear if the attack was due to personal reasons or had any communal colour, the situation turned tense in the region. 

IGP Western Range P. Harishekaran visited BC Road and Kalladka on Wednesday and has camped at Bantwal to supervise security and law and order situation.

“I have camped at Bantwal and am taking control of the law and order situation. There have been no untoward incidents. Additional forces have been called from Chikkamagaluru, Udupi and Uttar Kannada district. I have also called SPs of these three districts who would come by rotation here,” said Mr Harishekaran.