Mangaluru: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has demanded the arrest of Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and Sharan Pumpwell for the murder of Ashraf Kalai.
Riyaz Farangipete, in a press meet, told reporters that Ashraf (35) was hacked to death in broad daylight at Benjanapadavu of Bantwal on June 21. “The murder of Ashraf was an organised crime by the Sangha Parivar with a well-planned strategy. The police have arrested 5 persons in this connection and another accused Bharath Kumar is still absconding”, he added.
He also urged that police should arrest even those who provoked, conspired and provided financial assistance for the murder. “Prior to this incident, several attacks were made targeting the Muslim leaders. Bharath Kumar, one of the accused in Ashraf Kalai’s murder has shared chair with Dr. Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and some BJP leaders in a press meet in the city.These leaders have helped the accused in absconding, fearing that they will be exposed. Hence the police should arrest Dr. Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and also Sharan Pumpwell and expose their role in the murder.
If they are not arrested, SDPI will hold Kalladka Chalo, National Highway Bandh and protests near DC office in the coming days”, Riyaz warned.
Athaullah Jokatte said that ministers Ramanath Rai and U T Khader should not just give assurance of arresting Prabhakar Bhat for appeasement of voters but should get it done.
Jaleel K, State Committee Member of SDPI and others were present during the press meet.
