Contradictory reports as police probe Arab man's apparent murder

Amir Biadsa, 23, from Jatt, brought to medics in critical condition near adjacent Baqa al-Gharbiye; police say he died in explosion, some reports say he was first kidnapped

Police on Thursday night launched an investigation into a suspected murder in the northern Arab city of Baqa al-Gharbiye, after a man in his 20s died under unclear circumstances.

Amir Biadsa, 23, from the adjacent town of Jatt, was brought to medics in critical condition at the entrance of the city. His death was declared at the scene.

Police said his death was seemingly caused by an explosive device. But the Magen David Adom emergency service initially said he was likely involved in a car crash.

Some Hebrew-language media reports said he was shot, while others said he was abducted by unknown individuals who also cut off his left hand, shot him in the chest and left him on the side of the road.

Biadsa would be the 21st Arab Israeli to die under violent criminal circumstances this year.

Arab Israelis blame the burgeoning murder rate on police, who they say have failed to crack down on powerful criminal organizations and largely ignore the violence, which includes family feuds, mafia turf wars and violence against women.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Public Security Minister Omer Barlev have vowed to crack down on the violence, as well as on illegal weapons.

In February, police reported a 37 percent drop in shooting incidents in Arab Israeli communities so far this year, as the police ramped up activity.