The Karnataka High Court on Friday granted bail to the main accused in the mob lynching of a 38-year-old ragpicker in Mangaluru in 2024. The accused, identified as a local resident, was among 21 youngsters arrested for the brutal attack that occurred in the city's outskirts.
Case Background
The victim, a ragpicker, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob after being accused of shouting pro-Pakistan slogans. The incident sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about mob violence and communal tensions in the region. The accused had been in judicial custody since his arrest in June 2024.
Bail Plea Arguments
The defense argued that the accused was a first-time offender with no prior criminal record and had been falsely implicated. They highlighted that the investigation was complete and the accused's continued detention was unnecessary. The prosecution opposed the bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and the need for a fair trial.
Court's Verdict
Justice K. Somashekar, presiding over the case, observed that the evidence against the accused was circumstantial and that prolonged incarceration would violate his fundamental rights. The court granted bail on a bond of Rs. 1 lakh with two sureties, and imposed conditions including surrendering his passport and reporting to the police station weekly.
The court also directed the accused not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. The case is set for trial, with the next hearing scheduled for August 2026.
Community Reaction
The bail decision has drawn mixed reactions. While the accused's family expressed relief, human rights activists criticized the move, arguing it could embolden perpetrators of mob violence. The victim's family has vowed to challenge the order in the Supreme Court.
The incident remains a stark reminder of the challenges in addressing mob lynching cases in India, where convictions are rare and trials often face delays.
