Protests rock Karnataka over Bajrang Dal man's murder, three arrested
Bengaluru/IBNS: At least three people were arrested in connection with the murder of a member of the right-wing outfit Bajrang Dal in Karnataka's Shivamogga town as protests rocked the area in which vehicles were set on fire and isolated incidents of stone-pelting were reported.
Harsha, a 26-year-old Bajrang Dal member who worked as a tailor, was stabbed by unidentified persons around 9 pm on Sunday night.
He was rushed to the hospital but could not survive. Police have arrested three people in connection with the murder case.
After the attack, several vehicles in the area were torched and police deployed heavy force to prevent a flare-up.
The administration has imposed restrictions on public gatherings and ordered that schools and colleges will stay shut.
Despite the curbs, a large crowd of Bajrang Dal supporters accompanied the youth's body as it was taken home.
RDPR Minister KS Eshwarappa earlier in the day alleged that Harsha, a Sanghathan worker, was killed by Muslim goons in Shivamogga Sunday night.
He also held responsible Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President DK Shivakumar for provoking Muslim goons by spreading rumours of replacement of tricolour with bhagwa flag in a college in Shivmogga.
In a tweet, Shivakumar had alleged, “Some anti-national elements allied with BJP have brought down the national flag in a college in Shimoga. I urge everyone to post a photo of themselves with the national flag as a mark of protest.”
In an earlier tweet, he had said, "The situation in some Karnataka educational institutions has gone so out of hand that in one case, the National flag was replaced by a saffron flag. I think the affected institutions should be closed for a week to restore law and order. Teaching can continue online."
Eshwarappa said the state government will take strict action against the killers and would provide assistance to his family. Consequent to this statement, pandemonium prevailed in the Legislative Council with Congress member BK Hariprasad blaming RDPR Minister KS Eshwarappa behind Harsha's murder.
In the morning, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said very soon killers will be nabbed as the police have gathered some clues in the incident.
"Investigation into the killing of Harsha has begun. I have received information about some clues having been found out. We are also expecting arrest of those who are behind the murder," he told reporters here.
Bommai also said he has directed the Shivamogga police to maintain law and order in the district. He also appealed to the people to maintain peace and tranquillity.
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