The government said the murder would be investigated from “all angles, including in the hijab row”.
Shivamogga:
The police made the first arrest hours after a member of the right-wing Bajrang Dal was killed in Karnataka’s Shivamogga.
CCTV footage has emerged that a man is being arrested from the neighborhood where 26-year-old Harsha was stabbed to death on Sunday night.
In the clip, recorded after 3 am on Monday, the man is searched by the police and then taken away by them.
After questioning about a dozen people, the police have arrested two people and detained one in connection with the murder in Shivamogga over yesterday’s violence and arson.
Senior police officer Pratap Reddy said, “All the accused have been identified and they are being traced. We will arrest all those involved, only then we can say what was the motive behind the murder.”
The government said the murder would be investigated from “all angles, including in the hijab row”.
Yesterday, the Karnataka government denied any controversy over the hijab ban in schools and colleges, but state Home Minister Araga Gyanendra said: “The organizations behind the hijab row are also under scrutiny, given their role.” It is also being seen. Legal action will be taken against those who pelt stones tomorrow.”
Violence broke out while Harsha’s body was taken for the last rites in a procession. Over 5,000 people attended the 8-km funeral.
Cars were torched as tension escalated and stone pelting was reported. At least three people, including a photojournalist and a policeman, were injured. Several two-wheelers were either damaged or burnt.
The police had to use tear gas shells and sticks to control the crowd. Schools and colleges were declared closed and large gatherings were banned.
The Karnataka government, facing questions over whether the procession was allowed in the volatile situation, distanced itself from the decision.
Appealing for peace, the Home Minister said, “Seeing that (a) a lot of people were coming, the body was taken for the last rites. It is the decision of the district administration.”
Mr. Gyanendra said, “We appeal to the people that there should be no place for disturbing the peace. The government will definitely arrest the criminals and give them proper punishment.”
“Such killings should stop and it should end with the killing of Harsha. It is the commitment of the government and the police department. We are taking this matter to its logical end,” the minister said.
The police have so far said that Harsh was murdered due to ‘personal enmity’.
Police officer K Thiagarajan said, “As of now, we strongly believe that this has happened in relation to past enmity. Further investigation is on.”
Several BJP leaders, including Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa and Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, have alleged a conspiracy behind Harsh’s murder and demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Mr Eshwarappa on Monday controversially accused “Muslim goons” of murder and Congress Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar of inciting the murder with comments made at the height of the hijab protest.
“He was a very good worker. He was an honest young man. Last night, he was murdered by Muslim goons. Recently, DK Shivakumar claimed that the national flag was replaced by a saffron flag, and around 50 lakh Saffron shawls were ordered. A factory in Surat for anti-hijab protests. Hooliganism has increased after his statements. We will not allow this hooliganism to continue. We will give all possible help to the man’s family,” Mr. Eshwarappa told reporters.
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