Bajrang Dal Man’s Murder in K'taka's Shivamogga: Three Arrested; Demand for NIA Probe | Updates

The murder of a 23-year-old office-bearer of the Bajarang Dal in the communally sensitive city of Shivamogga in Karnataka has resulted in a tensed atmosphere as some miscreants torched bikes and pelted stones in protest against the murder.

The Shivamogga city has been turned into a ‘police fortress’ as authorities fear large-scale violence, with cops being on high alert after a similar incident.

However, stone pelting was reported while the body of the victim was being taken back to his home in Seegehatti from the hospital. Visuals of the procession shows some youths pelting stones at shops while other visuals showed some miscreants burning tyres on road.

A total of three persons have been arrested, said state home minister Araga Jnanendra. Police said that technical evidence is being gathered and that they have alerted teams in a few other districts, which are helping in tracing the culprits.

Here are the latest updates:

• Reacting to the death, CT Ravi, BJP National General Secretary, said: “I think it’s a conspiracy, he has been murdered under a conspiracy. A serious inquiry should be done. The government will take up the issue seriously. If needed, the case should be handed over to NIA.”
• Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, meanwhile, said: “We’ve not yet received any final report related to arrests. We’ve taken some people into custody. Inquiry is going on. Very soon we’ll get info related to the murder. That can be said only after investigation.”

• BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, speaking to CNN-News18, demanded an NIA probe into Harsha’s death, saying that she has written to Karnataka CM urging for the same. The VHP has also demanded an NIA investigation into the murder.
• The Bajrang Dal activist, identified as Harsha, was brutally killed late Sunday night near Ravivarma Street in Bharathi Colony. The victim was killed as a result of prior rivalry, police suspect.
• Harsha was a tailor and held the position of ‘Prakanda Sahakaryadarshi’ (coordinator) in the district.

• The miscreants, who came in a car, had chased him and attacked him with lethal weapons and then escaped from the spot. Though Harsha was shifted to the Meggan hospital, he succumbed to injuries. Harsha was actively involved in Bajrang Dal and VHP activities. He used to be at the forefront during Ganesh festivities and visarjan ceremony. Tense situation prevailed immediately after the incident.
• Harsha had allegedly put up a post abusing another religion and a complaint had been lodged against him in the Doddapet police station. He was getting threatening calls.
• After the murder, thousands of Hindu activists gathered near the Meggan hospital and the police had tough time to handle the situation. Incidents of stone pelting reported from Sigehatti area in the district, DIP (East) Tyagarajan and Superintendent of Police (SP) Lakshmi Prasad rushed to the spot to control the situation.
• Additional forces have been called to avoid any untoward incidents in the district and police have launched a hunt for the miscreants. Three bikes and one goods vehicle were torched in Sigehatti in Shivamogga.
• The post-mortem will be conducted on Monday morning and the body will be handed over to the family afterwards. Elaborate security arrangements have been taken up to maintain law and order and peace.
• Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said on Monday, “The 23-year-old youth has been brutally murdered. I visited Shivamogga and I have also met his family. I have assured his parents and sister that I can’t bring back the dead person, but won’t spare the killers. The action will be initiated against them.” “A group of four-five youth murdered him (Harsha). I don’t know of any organization being behind this murder. Law and order situation is under control in Shivamogga. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in city limits have been closed for two days,” he added.

“The hijab issue has nothing to do with this incident and it has happened for different reasons. Shivamogga is a sensitive city. The incident has taken place on the main road and the police are on high alert. We have clues, shortly they will be arrested. I appeal to the people to maintain calm. All measures have been taken, people should not get provoked. The government will give justice to the deceased person. Special teams have been formed to nab the murderers, shortly we will give updates on it,” Araga Jnanendra explained.

(With IANS inputs)

Read all the Latest News India and Breaking News here