Shivamogga: In connection with murder of Bajrang Dal’s leader Harsha, six people have been arrested, while some are at large, a senior police officer said on Tuesday, February 22, as stray incidents of arson and violence were reported in the city.
On Sunday evening, Bajrang Dal leader was stabbed to death at Shivamogga. Amid this the city has witnessed arson, violence and stone pelting. The district administration has imposed night curfew till Friday. District Commissioner Dr. Selvamani stated on Tuesday that a further decision in this regard will be taken on Friday morning. A holiday has been declared in schools and colleges.
“We have arrested Mohammed Kashif, Syed Nadeem, Ashifullah Khan, Rehan Khan, Nehal and Abdul Afnan in connection with the case. All are aged between 20 to 22 years, except Kashif who is 32. They are all residents of Shivamogga,” Superintendent of Police BM Lakshmi Prasad told reporters.
He said these people were earlier staying together but were now living separately. Kashif has some criminal cases against him. According to Prasad, a few more are involved in the case and a manhunt has been launched to track them. The police officer said 12 more people were detained and questioned but their role did not come to light.
The Karnataka government had ruled out possibilities of the murder being linked to the row over hijab, a minister today said “all angles including the hijab row” will be investigated.
“Organisations 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,” said state Home Minister Araga Dnyanendra.
The Karnataka government has blamed the local administration for the decision to allow the funeral procession.
Several BJP leaders — including state minister KS Eshwarappa and Union Minister of state Shobha Karandlaje — have alleged a conspiracy behind the murder and demanded an investigation by the National Investigation Agency.
On Monday, Mr Eshwarappa blamed the murder on “Muslim goons” and accused Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar of instigating it with comments he made at the height of the hijab protests.
BJP National General Secretary BL Santosh alleged that Harsha was killed by “jihadi fundamentalists” for his opposition to hijab at educational institutions.
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