Bangalore: An FIR has been registered against BJP Leader Channabasappa SN and Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa for allegedly making provoking statements following the murder of Bajrang Dal leader Harsha in February in Shivamogga.
Following an order by a local court, police have registered a case. “On the basis of a complaint, we have registered a case; a probe is underway,” said BM Laxmi Prasad, Superintendent of Police, Shivamogga.
Police stated that they would not arrest BJP leaders but they have to appear before the court for a hearing.
A case was filed at Special Court in Bangalore by Peace Organization Committee Secretary Riyaz Ahmed, as Shivamogga police reportedly refused to register a case as Eshwarappa’s name figured in the complaint. Admitting the case, the court directed the police to register a case against the duo which it did under the IPC sections 153 (A), 295 (A), 504, 505 (2) and 34.
Eshwarappa and Channabasappa had said that Muslim goons were behind the killing of Harsha. This triggered communal tensions in Shivamogga.
Bajrang Dal activist Harsha was stabbed to death in the state, on February 20. The murder had provoked huge protests. Following the murder, a few incidents of arson and stone-pelting took place in Shivamogga. Bikes were torched and stones were pelted at houses and commercial establishments.
Following the protests and ruckus being created around the State, section 144 was imposed. At least 1,200 police personnel were deployed in Shivamogga and another 400 personnel had to be rushed to the district from Bengaluru and other parts of the state.
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