Karnataka: Decapitated Body of Muslim Youth Found, Family Allege Murder by Ram Sena Members

Police have opened investigations into the alleged murder of a Muslim youth after his dismembered body was found on a railway track at Khanapur railway station in Belagavi district on September 28.

24-year-old Arbaz Aftab Mulla’s family alleged that he was murdered by men associated with Hindu extremist outfit Sri Ram Sena Hindustan who had threatened him for his love affair with a Hindu girl. 

The FIR lodged at the railway police station in Belagavi names three people as accused including the father of the girl, Maharaj and Birje.

Speaking to The Cognate, Sub Inspector of the Government Police Station, Belagavi said that the investigation in the case is on and a statement will be released in two days. No arrests have been made so far, he added. 

Arbaz was getting threatening calls from Ram Sena members for the past few months, a complaint by the family said. A while back Arbaz and some members of the community met with them and reached a compromise that Arbaz and the girl will not remain in contact. Despite this, he continued getting threats from them,” Arbaz’s cousin Sameer told The Cognate. 

“Arbaz received a similar call on 26 September and they threatened to kill him. Two days later, on 28th, he again received a call from the Ram Sena. His mother had warned him not to go alone but he still went,” Sameer said. 

That evening Sameer received a call from the police who informed him that they had found a body. “The police first said it was suicide but we did not believe them because Arbaz was getting murder threats from Ram Sena,” Sameer said. “When we saw the body there was a rope tied around his hands. It was clear he was murdered” 

Arbaz used to sell second-hand cars. He lost his father some years ago and was living with his mother. 

Meanwhile, Tipu Sultan Sangharsh Samiti (TSS), held a protest demonstration demanding action against the culprits. The group submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. 

TSS District President Arif Katgari said that police have sufficient evidence to give strict punishment to the men who murdered Arbaz. The group also sought a ban on Ram Sena, saying it was an extremist outfit that indulges in communal violence against minorities. 

“Why is the police so careless? We demand to ban Hindu Ram Sena. We want those who killed Arbaz to be punished severely,” TSS State Secretary Fazal Khan said. 

Social media also erupted in outrage over the heinous act as people started a hashtag #justiceforArbaaz.