Shivamogga: Violence has been erupted in the Karnataka’s Shivamogga amid the killing of a Bajrang Dal Activist. The state government has blamed the local administration for the decision of permitting his funeral procession, during which violence erupted in the city. A minister has stated that the murder will be investigated from “all angles including the hijab row”.
As of now 12 people are in custody, and are being questioned. Three of them have been arrested amid the murder of Harsha.
Amid the matter, the the Karnataka Government yesterday had denied any links of the murder with the ongoing hijab row. State Home Minister Araga Dnyanendra said: “Organizations behind the hijab row are also under the scanner, their role is also being looked at. Legal action will be taken against those who engaged in stone pelting yesterday.”
When Harsha’s body was being taken for performing the last rites, violence erupted. Over 5,000 people had joined the 8-km funeral procession. Cars were set on fire and stone pelting was reported. At least three persons, including a photo journalist and a policewoman, were injured. Several two-wheelers were either damaged or burnt.
To get the situation under control, police had to fire teargas shells and use lathis. Schools and colleges were declared shut and ban was imposed on gatherings.
The government of Karnataka is facing questions over the procession being allowed in a volatile situation, distanced itself from the decision.
“Seeing lot of people visiting, the body was taken for last rites. It is the decision of the district administration,” said the Home Minister, appealing for peace.
“We appeal to people not to allow any room for disturbing peace. The government will certainly arrest the criminals and get them punishment appropriately,” said Dnyanendra.
“These kind of murders should stop and it should end with Harsha’s murder. This is the commitment of the government and the police department. We are taking this case to the logical end,” the minister added.
The motive, he said, “will come out shortly”.
The police is maintaining that the reason of Harsha’s death was personal enmity.
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