+

Bajrang Dal activist killed in Shivamogga

Security increased, schools, colleges closed for two days.

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha in Karnataka’s Shivamogga, said state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Monday. 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.

Briefing journalists here, the Home Minister said, “We have not yet received any final report related to the arrests. Three persons were arrested and some people were taken into custody. As per my information, five people are involved in this murder. For now, we do not want to disclose anything further. Inquiry is going on. After the investigation, the information will be shared.” “I met parents and sisters (of Harsha) and consoled them. They asked me for justice. I have assured them of bringing the culprits to book. In order to maintain law and order, there has been the heavy deployment of police personnel and Rapid Action Force,” Jnanendra added. The Home Minister said police officials have been instructed to analyse the situation and maintain law and order.

Earlier in the day, Jnanendra had said that those behind the murder are yet to be identified, adding that the law and order situation is under control in Shivamogga. Jnanendra had 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.”

On Sunday, Jnanendra had said that there are forces in the country that are trying to “destabilize” the nation by filling “communal dirtiness” in the school students and added that there is a need to be cautious of such forces. Addressing a public meeting, Jnanendra had said, “Communal forces are filling communal dirtiness in school students. Many forces working between us to destabilize the nation, we need to be cautious.” The state Home Minister also said that such communal forces in the country are also trying to tarnish the future of the country. “These forces are tarnishing the future of the country,” he said.

K.S. 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.”

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary C.T. Ravi on Monday termed the death of the Bajrang Dal activist in Shivamogga as a “conspiracy” and said that if necessary, the probe in the matter can be handed over to the National Investigation Team. “Bajrang Dal activist Harsha was murdered yesterday. I think it’s a conspiracy. He has been murdered under a conspiracy,” said Ravi. “A serious inquiry should be conducted. If needed, the case should be handed over to NIA,” he added. Further, with a concern to avoid any unfortunate incident, BJP leader said “government should conduct a serious enquiry as the situation may trigger a reaction.”

Tags:

Featured