A 26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha was allegedly murdered at around 9 pm last night in Shivamogga.
The security was tightened in the city following the incident. Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said that those behind the murder are yet to be identified, adding that the law and order situation is under control in Shivamogga.
Jnanendra said, “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.”
KS Eshwarappa, Karnataka rural development minister, said, “I’m very disturbed by the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist. He was killed by ‘Musalmaan goondas’ (Muslim goons). I’m going to Shivamogga now to analyse the situation. We’ll not allow ‘goondaism’.”
Dr Selvamani R, Deputy Commissioner, Shivamogga district, said, “The overall situation is peaceful. Local police, RAF are deployed to maintain law and order. Section 144 has been declared in the area. Further probe into the incident is underway.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said that police have gathered a few leads in the case, the investigation into which started last night.
CM Bommai said, “One Harsha was stabbed to death yesterday. Few leads have been gathered in the incident during the investigation which started last night.” Meanwhile, Karnataka’s leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah condemned the incident and demanded that the culprit should be hanged.
Speaking to reporters, former CM Siddaramaiah said, “I condemn this incident. It took place in the district from where the home minister & CM come. The culprit should be hanged. I demand the state home minister’s resignation.”