Man publicly assaulted, called ‘Pakistani’, dies by suicide; Journalist accused, police launch hunt
Latur: A 30-year-old man in Maharashtra's Latur allegedly died by suicide after being publicly assaulted and called a “Pakistani” during a road rage incident. The accused, reportedly a local journalist, is currently absconding.
According to the FIR registered by MIDC Latur Police Station, the incident occurred on the night of May 3. The victim, Amir Pathan, was allegedly attacked by the motorist, who identified himself as a journalist and questioned whether Pathan was from Kashmir or Pakistan. The assault was reportedly filmed by the assailant, who threatened to circulate the footage on social media.
Pathan’s wife, Samrin, who works as a deputy manager in a private bank in Dharashiv, said she was on a phone call with her husband when the incident occurred near Sanvidhan Chowk. She overheard the confrontation and heard her husband pleading and screaming in pain. Rushing to the spot, she noted the registration number of the assailant’s car — MH24 BR 7008 — but the accused had fled the scene by the time she arrived.
In her statement, Samrin said that the threat of public humiliation left her husband deeply traumatised. “He said he was an Indian, but the accused insulted him, calling him a Pakistani. He feared the video would be made public,” she recounted. The next day, Pathan was reportedly seen repeatedly checking the internet to see if the video had surfaced.
On May 4, while the family was preparing to attend a wedding, Pathan stayed back. When his family returned home, they found him hanging by a dupatta. He was rushed to a private hospital and later referred to the government hospital, where he was declared dead.
Based on Samrin’s complaint, police registered a case of abetment to suicide on May 5. However, the FIR has so far listed the accused as an "unknown person." Samrin’s father, Attaullah Pathan, expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “We gave the police the car number and name, but they still booked an unknown person.”
“There was no suicide note,” confirmed Latur SP Somay Munde. “We have registered a suicide abetment case based on the wife’s statement. Investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to trace the accused.”
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
