Bengaluru, Apr 29 (UNI) An individual was lynched during a local cricket match in Mangaluru after he allegedly shouted "Pakistan Zindabad", triggering outrage among spectators and leading to his death, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said on Tuesday.
Police have arrested around 12 individuals in connection with the incident.
According to preliminary information, the altercation began when the individual was reportedly heard shouting the slogan during the match. Eyewitnesses said a group of people reacted violently, assaulting the individual on the spot.
Initially believed to have died at the scene, officials later confirmed that the victim succumbed to injuries induced by shock.
Law enforcement authorities rushed to the spot and detained several suspects. A senior police official stated that a case has been registered and investigations are underway to ascertain the sequence of events and verify the authenticity of the slogan claim.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed, and officials are yet to confirm the communal background of those involved.
Reacting to the incident, Dr Parameshwara urged the public to remain calm and refrain from drawing premature conclusions.
"I was informed about a mob lynching that took place during a local cricket match. I was told the individual was shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad'. When they heard this, a group of people beat him up," he told reporters.
The Home Minister clarified that the individual did not die immediately, but later succumbed due to shock. "Around 10 to 12 individuals have been arrested, and a further investigation is underway," he said.
Parameshwara emphasised the need for restraint and patience until the facts are fully established. "At this point, we do not have complete clarity on what exactly happened or which communities were involved. So, it would be inappropriate to make any assumptions right now," he added.
The Home Minister reaffirmed that Karnataka has always been a peaceful state. "Incidents like this should not happen here—or anywhere, for that matter. I appeal to the public to maintain peace and calm. Let the authorities carry out a full investigation. The government is taking this matter very seriously," he said.
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