The brutal killing of Abdul Rahman, a young man known for his social service and association with a local mosque, in Kolthamajalu, Bantwal taluk, has triggered shock and anger across coastal Karnataka. He was the sole breadwinner of his family. The attack, carried out by two unidentified men wielding swords, also left another youth critically injured.
Rahman, who had no political affiliations, was attacked while unloading sand from his pick-up vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him.
His sister, visibly shattered, tearfully questioned, “Butchers are roaming with swords in the streets – how can we send our children to school? The government is ignoring the security concerns of the people.”
This incident marks the third major act of violence in Dakshina Kannada within a month. Civil rights groups warn of a dangerous escalation in communal incidents in the region.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, condemned the murder in the strongest terms. State President Dr. Muhammad Saad Belgami urged the community not to be provoked into retaliation. “Let us not fall into the trap of revenge. Our response must be guided by justice and restraint,” he said.
He also urged the government to act decisively and bring the perpetrators and instigators to justice without delay.
APCR Karnataka also denounced the attack, calling it a product of rising hate speechand unchecked communal propaganda.