Karnataka activist murder: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje writes to CM asking NIA probe

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Feb 21, 2022: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje on Monday sent a letter to Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, asking for an NIA probe into Bajrang Dal activist Harsha’s murder case.

 

The murder of 23-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha, in Shivamogga, has turned the city into a political battleground. BJP leaders have alleged that he was killed by anti-nationals for being part of the anti-hijab protest, while Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has dismissed the claims.

On Sunday night, February 20, Harsha, a Bajrang Dal activist in Karnataka’s Shivamogga was stabbed to death at 9.30 pm. Due to continued unrest, Section 144 was imposed in the region.

A few incidents of arson and stone-pelting took place in Shivamogga after the murder. Bikes were torched and stones were pelted at houses and commercial establishments.

Meanwhile, Karnataka minister Eshwarappa alleged that Muslim goons were involved in the murder of a 23-year-old man in Shivamogga district on Sunday night. He said Congress leader DK Shivakumar’s statement on the national flag had instigated the murder.

Responding to BJP leader KS Eshwarappa’s allegation of having "encouraged Muslim goons" to murder the Bajrang Dal activist with his statement on the Tricolour, DK Shivakumar said: "He [Eshwarappa] doesn’t have common sense. he has already violated the Indian Flag Code. A case must be registered against him and he must be sacked. He has brought shame to the country and the national flag," Shivakumar added.

Shivakumar also said: "It [the murder] has nothing to do with the hijab issue. It was the result of personal enmity between two groups. The home minister has issued a statement on this. But the police must thoroughly investigate the incident."

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanded the resignation of Home Minister Araga Jnanendra over the incident. He said: “The murder was committed in the Shivamogga district from where the home minister, Eshwarappa and Yediyurappa hail. Hence, I demand the resignation of the home minister.”

Although Home Minister Jnanendra denied any link between the hijab row and the murder, BJP national general secretary CT Ravi sought to link the two with a tweet on Monday.

Courtesy:India Today