On Monday, 3 accused were arrested in the Bajrang Dal activist’s murder. Meanwhile, widespread protests have erupted in Karnataka. On Sunday night, a 23-year-old Bajrang Dal activist identified as Harsha was murdered in Shivamogga. Fearing violence, the administration later imposed Section 144 in Shivamogga.
Initial reports by media claimed that the murder was caused due to the ongoing hijab row in the state. However, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra later confirmed that the murder was not related to the ongoing Hijab row and a thorough investigation would be conducted in the matter. On Monday, the Karnataka Home Minister confirmed arrests of three men who were involved in the matter. The police have meanwhile not confirmed the motive behind the murder of the Bajrang Dal activist.
The Facts of the Matter
On Sunday, a 26-year-old Harsha, who was a Bajrang Dal activist, was allegedly murdered in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district. After the incident, the Shivamogga district administration issued prohibitory orders and also announced a holiday for colleges and schools, to avoid any further casualties.
According to reports, the attack took place sometime around 9.30 PM. As an immediate aftermath of the alleged murder, several vehicles were set ablaze. Reportedly, the deceased man was a tailor who lived in the Seegehatti region in Shivamogga district, Karnataka.
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Home Minister Labels Alleged Murder as ‘Unfortunate’
After the incident, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra visited the victim’s family on Monday morning. Labelling the incident as an “unfortunate” one, the home minister stated that the police are probing the matter. He also confirmed that the motive behind the death of the Bajrang Dal activist has not been confirmed.
On Monday evening, home minister Jnanendra announced the arrest of three men involved in the matter. An India Today report quoted the home minister saying, “Three overall arrests have been made. I can’t reveal more where they were picked up.”
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Security Beefed Up in Shivamogga, Family of Victim Seeks Justice
The Karnataka home minister added, “I don’t have an exact number how many have been taken under custody. Prime motive will come after the investigation.” Home Minister Jnanendra also added an additional 1,200 police personnel have been deployed in Shivamogga and 200 troops were deployed from Bengaluru to curb any unforeseen violence in the region.
Reportedly, Karnataka minister K.S. Eshwrwappa and BJP Member of Parliament Raghavedra were present at the time the deceased man’s body was being transported to the funeral spot. Meanwhile, the family of the victim have claimed that although their son can’t be brought back, they needed justice for his death.
Karnataka Griped with Communal Tension
Meanwhile, Karnataka was gripped with communal tension following the murder of Harsha. According to reports, protestors started to pelt stones, and set various vehicles ablaze. To keep the situation in check, the police resorted to using tear gas against the violent protestors. Although Section 144 was already imposed in the district, Bajrang Dal supporters took the body of the murdered victim to his home.
Harsha Had a Criminal History, 5 Cases of Assault & Attempt to Murder
Meanwhile, to understand the motive behind Harsha’s murder, the police checked his criminal history. In the investigation, it was revealed that Harsha was involved in five cases of assault and attempt to murder. The most recent case filed against him was from December 2020 when he was accused of being a mob participant that attacked Muslim traders in Shivamogga city.
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