Mangaluru, 4 July

A case was registered against individuals for allegedly circulating WhatsApp messages about a protest meeting in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada, despite having been denied permission for the event, police said on Friday.

Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) member Ashraf Talapady and two others had sought permission to use loudspeakers and make security arrangements for a protest over the alleged murder cases of Abdul Rahiman and Ashraf, a native of Wayanad.

However, the Bantwal Town Police rejected the request after the applicants reportedly admitted they had no concrete information, evidence, or family petitions regarding government compensation or the alleged conspirators in either case.

The applicants were advised to approach the investigating officers and the authorities concerned through proper legal channels.

Despite this, some individuals allegedly circulated digital posters about the protest on WhatsApp, prompting police to register a fresh case. Further legal action is being initiated, police added.

Abdul Rahiman, 32, was killed in Kuryal village under Bantwal Rural Police Station limits on 27 May. In a separate incident on 27 April, Ashraf, a native of Wayanad, was allegedly lynched after reportedly shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' during a local cricket match.

Both the incidents highlighted the fragility of communal relations in the region.