Bantwal: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) organized a  protest at the B.C. Road-Kaikamba Junction in Dakshina Kannada, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the recent murders of Ashraf from Wayanad and Abdul Rahiman. The party alleged that both killings were premeditated and called on the government to provide compensation to the victims’ families and arrest all those involved in the conspiracy.

Addressing the gathering, SDPI Mangaluru Rural District Secretary Nawaz Katte said, “Though some individuals have extended financial assistance to the victims' families, justice for the innocent cannot be achieved through personal donations. We demand an SIT probe into both murders. Those who conspired, supplied weapons, and trained the assailants must be arrested under stringent sections of law to ensure justice for the victims.”

SDPI state leader Athavulla Jokatte questioned the government’s approach, saying, “Why is the murder of a rowdy-sheeter handed over to the NIA, but not the murder of innocent civilians? The government is issuing notices and intimidating those who raise questions. Labeling people as ‘Pro-SDPI’ for seeking justice is unjust. SDPI is merely echoing the voice of the common people. We urge the government to immediately order an SIT probe and provide appropriate compensation to the victims’ families.”

Akbar Ali Ponnoori, Secretary of the SDPI Bantwal Assembly Constituency Committee, criticized Congress representatives, stating, “We have always stood by the oppressed and marginalized. The community will not forget the murders of innocent Ashraf and Rahiman so easily. It is disheartening that Congress Muslim MLAs, who won elections from Muslim-majority constituencies, remain silent on issues affecting the community. Voters must question such leadership.”

The protestors shouted slogans condemning the government’s alleged delay in initiating a proper investigation.

The protest was attended by several SDPI leaders and supporters, including Abdul Jaleel K (President, SDPI Mangaluru City), Jamal Jokatte (General Secretary, SDPI Mangaluru City), Munish Ali (Vice President, SDPI Mangaluru Rural), Siddique Puttur (General Secretary, SDPI Mangaluru Rural), Ashraf Addoor (Vice President, SDPI Mangaluru City), and Shahul Hameed S H (President, SDPI Bantwal Assembly Constituency Committee).

The protest meeting was anchored and concluded with a vote of thanks by Ashraf Talapady, SDPI Mangaluru Rural District Secretary.