Karnataka: Muslim Youth Stabbed to Death by Unidentified Assailants in Surathkal

The victim was identified as Mohammed Fazil, a resident of Mangalpete near Surathkal.

A young Muslim man was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants in Surathkal, Karnataka on Thursday, 28 July.

(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)

A youth was stabbed to death at Surathkal on the outskirts of Mangaluru, Karnataka, on the evening of Thursday, 28 July.

The deceased, identified as Mohammed Fazil, a resident of Mangalpete near Surathkal, was murdered by a group of unidentified assailants.

Thirteen people have been detained in connection with the case so far.

Fazil was grievously injured in the attack and died on the way to the hospital, the police said.

CCTV footage showed the man being continuously attacked with sticks and being stabbed. One of the assailants was seen hitting him even after he fell to the ground and a store mannequin fell on top of him.

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra had said that the incident might have occurred over a financial issue.

"A man named Fazil has been attacked in Surathkal area of Mangalore City. Four people wearing monkey caps came and attacked him outside a shop. Fazil used to carry out small contracts. Initial suspicion is that the murder may have been over a financial issue," he said.

Section 144 Imposed, Muslim Leaders Asked To Pray at Home on Friday

The police also said that four or five people had attacked Fazil, adding that they were "taking up a complaint of an eyewitness who was with the deceased during the incident."

"All wine shops under the commissionerate limits will be closed till 29 July. We have requested all Muslim leaders to perform their prayers at their homes, in the larger interest of the law and order of every locality. Due justice will be done quickly and fairly," Mangaluru Commissioner of Police (CP) N Shashi Kumar said, as per ANI.

He also said that the motive behind Fazil's killing and the identity of the culprits was being looked into, and he cautioned people to "not succumb" to rumours being spread by "vested-interest groups."

"Section 144 has been imposed in Surathkal, Mulky, Panambur and Bajpe. This decision was taken after a brutal murder in Surathkal this evening. A case has been registered at Surathkal police station," he added.

This incident comes two days after Praveen Nettaru, a BJP youth leader, was killed in the neighbouring town of Sullia.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)