A shocking incident in Arsikere town of Karnataka’s Hassan district has triggered massive anger after a Hindu couple was nearly lynched by a Muslim mob over a minor dispute. The incident took place near the APMC gate area, where the couple was stopped and assaulted, leaving the man seriously injured. The visuals of the attack have gone viral on social media.
A Hindu couple was nearly lynched by a Muslim mob in Arasikere, Karnataka.
— Angry Saffron (@AngrySaffron) April 5, 2026
Just because their bike slightly brushed a Muslim’s car, the mob surrounded them and tried to lynch the couple.
No action reported against mob.@KarnatakaCops pic.twitter.com/kwJlRhtSd8
Protests and bandh call after the incident
The incident led to strong protests on Saturday, 4th April, with Hindu organisations and local citizen groups calling for a bandh in Arsikere. The shutdown received wide support, with shopkeepers voluntarily keeping their establishments closed.
Many protestors assembled and chanted slogans such as “Hum Sab Hindu Hain Hum Sab Ek Hain” and called for the immediate arrests of those involved. Protestors further participated in a procession to the APMC gate, the spot where the attack had taken place. Normal traffic on the national highway was disrupted due to the protesters blocking the road.
How the incident unfolded
According to reports, the couple had come to Arsikere to attend the annual Rathotsava at the Sri Jenukallu Siddeshwaraswamy Temple. After offering prayers, they were returning on a two-wheeler when they were confronted by the main accused, identified as Sufiyan Samivulla.
Eyewitnesses said that Samivulla was riding his bike at high speed and brushed against the couple’s vehicle. When the couple questioned his driving, an argument broke out. What started as a small disagreement quickly turned violent.
A Hindu couple was nearly lynched… Zombies even tried to stop the man recording the incident, threatening him to delete the video.
— Kiran Aradhya (@KiranAradhyaadv) April 4, 2026
Funny how the Constitution matters to them only when it’s time to collect free ration from taxpayers money, otherwise, it’s pure mob mentality. pic.twitter.com/ElzdIcBbTV
The accused stopped the couple, dragged the man off the bike, and began beating him in full public view. Even as the victim’s wife pleaded for mercy with folded hands, the assault did not stop. The situation worsened when the accused called his associates, who soon reached the spot and joined in the attack.
The victim was repeatedly beaten and left bleeding, while bystanders recorded the incident on their phones. These videos later surfaced online, further fuelling public outrage.
The case has also taken a political turn, with reports suggesting that the accused has links to the circle of former MLA K. M. Shivalinge Gowda. This has raised concerns among locals that political connections may influence the investigation or delay action.
Many residents have questioned the police over the delay in arrests and demanded strict action against all those involved. The police have said that a case has been registered and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the accused and his associates.
