Shivamogga (Karnataka): Police have arrested three people so far in connection with the alleged murder of a 23-year-old Bajrang Dal activist on Sunday in Karnataka's Shivamogga. Tempers, however, are running high in the state as incidents of violence and stone pelting were reported in the district today.
Harsha, 23, a tailor by profession and member of the right-wing Bajrang Dal, was killed by a group of youth here on Sunday night. Following his death, several Hindu organisations staged protests in front of McGANN hospital in Shivamogga and demanded that strict action be taken against the culprits. The victim's body was taken to his residence amid police security after the postmortem. Workers of Hindu organisations joined the procession in large numbers.
A group of youth in the procession pelted stone at passing vehicles and even burnt some of them at OD road in Shivamogga. More than 10 vehicles were damaged in the incident. Incidents of violence were also reported during the slain youth's funeral procession. A group of people pelted stones at Ravi Varma street and Siddaiah road. Police fired tear gas shells to control the situation. Harsha's funeral was scheduled to be held at Rotary Crematorium in BH Road later today. To maintain peace and order, at least 200 police personnel from Bengaluru were deployed in Shivamogga.
The district administration has also announced that there would be no classes for students studying from 1 to 12th in the city for two days, given the situation. 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."
State Home Minister Araga Jnanendra who met the victim's family said police had arrested three persons so far. "As per my information, five people are involved in this murder," the minister said adding that police had received vital clues and would soon arrest the rest of the culprits. "I don't know of any organization behind this murder. Law and order situation is under control in Shivamogga. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in city limits have been closed for two days," Jnanendra said.
KS Eshwarappa, the Karnataka rural development minister, who has been in a controversy recently over his 'saffron flag replacing the tri-colour' remark, gave a shocking statement over the activist's killing. "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'."
Meanwhile, "a task force has been formed to track down the criminals behind the incident. We request people to cooperate with us and not to act emotionally", said B M Lakshmi Prasad, Superintendent of Police. However, the reason for the killing of the activist is yet to be ascertained and an investigation into the matter is underway.
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