A Muslim migrant labourer from Jharkhand was allegedly assaulted by four men in Mangaluru after they accused him of being a “Bangladeshi” and demanded proof of his citizenship.
The victim, identified as Diljan Ansari, has been working in Mangaluru for nearly 4 to 6 months every year over the past 10 to 15 years. The incident occurred on Sunday evening between 6.30 pm and 6.40 pm within the limits of Kavoor police station in the communally sensitive coastal district.
According to Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, the four accused — Sagar, Dhanush, Lalu alias Rathish, and Mohan, all residents of Kulur — allegedly restrained and assaulted Ansari while making derogatory remarks and demanding multiple identity proofs.
Police said a local Hindu woman intervened and rescued Ansari. Due to fear, Ansari did not initially lodge a complaint, but others later informed the police about the incident.
The four accused, suspected to be associated with a fringe Hindutva group though not yet confirmed, are currently absconding.
Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including wrongful restraint, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, and circulation of false information. Further investigation is underway.
