Shivamogga: A Karnataka Minister blames Muslim goons for the murder of the Bajrang Dal Activist at Karnataka, which has evoked tensions in Shivamogga.
Karnataka’s Rural Development minister KS Eshwarappa has accused the Congress’ Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar of instigating the killings, and the comments he has made at the height of the hijab protests.
The Bajrang Dal activist, identified as Harsha, was reportedly chased and murdered last night in Shivamogga’s Bharati Colony. Police are probing the matter and have said that he was stabbed last evening by four or five men he knew.
“He was a very good worker. Last night, Muslim goons murdered him. Recently, DK Shivakumar claimed that the national flag was replaced with the saffron flag, and around 50 lakh saffron shawls were ordered from a factory in Surat for the anti-hijab protest. The goondaism has increased after he made these statements. We will not allow this goondaism to continue. We will extend all the help that we can to the slain man’s family,” Eshwarappa told reporters.
Shivakumar had alleged that amid the protest and counter-protest in hijab row, the national flag had been pulled down and a saffron flag was hoisted in its place, at a college in Shivamogga. The ruling BJP had accused him of inciting passions as there was no video evidence of the national flag being taken down.
“Eshwarappa is a mad man. Siddaramaiah has said that there is no connection between his tongue and his mind. The BJP Leadership should sack him,” Shivakumar said.
Security has been beefed up in Shivamogga because of incidents of arson after Harsha’s death around 9 pm last night. Schools and colleges have been closed for two days. Large gatherings have been banned.
“A group of 4-5 youth murdered him. I don’t know of any organization being behind this murder. Law and order situation under control in Shivamogga. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in city limits have been closed for two days,” Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said.
There is a political crossfire. Congress leader Siddaramaiah, the leader of the opposition, is demanding the resignation of the state Home Minister.
Speaking with NDTV News, a police officer has denied that the murder of Harsha has any links with the hijab row.
“We have found clues and are close to arresting the accused. This has nothing to do with the hijab controversy. Harsha and the gang of youths knew each other. This seems to be the result of an old rivalry,” the officer said.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the police were working on specific clues.
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