Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) national general secretary Iliyaz Muhammed Thumbe has charged that Sangh Parivar is behind the murder of its leader Muhammed Ashraf Kalai.

Addressing media persons at the SDPI district office in the city on Thursday, he said Ashraf was not involved in any case and socialised with everyone. He was dropping a physically challenged person to his house and returning to his home at Benjanapadav when the miscreants attacked him with lethal weapons on Wednesday. He had not received any threats from anyone, he claimed. 

“The heinous act is a planned conspiracy hatched by the members of Sangh Parivar. These kind of crimes are taking place every year during the month of Ramzan and the minorities are targeted. Sangh Parivar, which is been responsible for the disturbance of law and order situation in the district, should be banned,” the leader demanded.

Thumbe urged the police to arrest the accused immediately and initiate stern legal action against them. The government should provide compensation to Ashraf’s family. The police are biased in the case, he charged and wanted to know why the accused are not yet arrested. “Criminals like Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat are roaming freely”, he charged.

If the police are not able to nab the culprits, District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai should step down from his position, Thumbe demanded.

SDPI leaders Siddiq Puttur, Iqbal Bellare and Ashraf’s brother Sadilk were present in the press conference.