Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa shockingly blamed “Muslim goons” for the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist.
In the meantime, the fight gets fierce in Karnataka asp Police use tear gas as protesters turn violent, brandish swords as Harsha, 23, a Bajrang Dal worker was stabbed last evening at 9 pm by four or five men he knew, the police say.
“Five people could be involved in the murder of Harsha. The Police have clues. The motive will emerge from the investigation. There is no information about any organization behind this. As of now, it doesn’t look like there is any connection to the Hijab issue,” Mr Jnanendra said, adding that the situation is under control now.
“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.
Karnataka’s Rural Development minister KS Eshwarappa said, “He was a very good worker. He was a young man who was honest. 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 man’s family,” Mr Eshwarappa told reporters.
The Karnataka Minister blamed “Muslim goons” for the murder on Sunday of a Bajrang Dal activist, which has sparked tension and arson in Shivamogga, and also accused Congress’ Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar of instigating the killing with comments he had made at the height of the hijab protests.
In response to KS Eshwarappa’s accusations, Congress responded, “Eshwarappa is a mad man: Shivakumar on ‘provocation’ allegations. The murder of the 23-year-old Bajrang Dal activist has spiraled into a tremendous political slugfest as the ruling BJP and Opposition parties exchange accusations. The BJP also appeared to be divided on whether the murder is related to the ongoing hijab row in Karnataka and no one can say for sure who murdered Harsha.
“Eshwarappa is a bad man. Siddaramaiah has said that there is no connection between his tongue and his mind. The BJP Leadership should sack him,” Mr Shivakumar said.
Security has been stepping 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.
In the political slug fight, Congress leader Siddaramaiah, the leader of the opposition, demanded the resignation of the state Home Minister.
A police officer the NDTV spoke to has denied reports that the killing of Harsha is linked to the hijab row.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the police were working on specific clues and said,
Deeply saddened by the murder of a Hindu activist Harsha in Shivamogga. Investigation is on and those responsible for this will be arrested at the earliest.
Police officials have been instructed to maintain law and order and I request people to also stay calm.
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) February 21, 2022
Congress leader Siddaramaiah said, “I urge BJP4Karnataka govt to arrest the murderers of Shivamogga Banjarang Dal party worker Harsha & ensure capital punishment for those culprits.”
