Shivamogga: Tension prevails in Shivamogga city after Bajarang Dal worker Harsha hacked to death on Sunday night.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra rushed to Shivamogga and assured that culprits will be arrested within 24 hours. He also asserted that the ongoing Hijab controversy is nothing to do with the killing of the Bajrang Dal worker. However, he said that police will investigate into Hijab angle too.

Contrary to Home Minister’s statement, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S.Eshwarappa directly blamed that Muslim goons killed Bajrang Dal worker Harsha. He further alleged that incident occurred after KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar’s proactive statement on the National flag issue. The provocative statement of Mr. Shivakumar has prompted Muslim goons to kill Bajarang Dal worker, he alleged.  

“ Mr. Shivakumar has given provocative statement that saffron flag was raised in Shivamogga after lowering the National flag, he also alleged that 50 lakh saffron flag was ordered from Surat to distribute to students during Hijab controversy, this provocative statements of Shivakumar has instigated Muslim goonda to take the law into their hands”, Eshwarappa alleged.

“So far in Shivamogga, Muslims have not raised their voice, now they have brutally killed our worker”, Mr. Eshwarappa said.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has visited the residence of Harsha and condoled the family members of the deceased person.

26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha was brutally killed on Sunday at around 9 pm in Shivamogga. Security has been tightened in the city following the activist's death.

Karnataka is the epicenter of the hijab controversy. Seeing the hijab controversy that started from Karnataka, it became a topic of discussion all over the country.

Four to five persons have killed Harsha with sharp weapons. The reason behind the attack is not yet clear. According to the information received, Section 144 has been imposed in Shivamogga and a holiday has been declared in all the schools and colleges of the city on Monday.

Soon after the incident miscreants have pelted stones, police have dispersed the agitating people and additional police forces have been deployed to the city.

The incident occurred in the Shegehatti layout, situated on Shivamogga- Thirthahalli road. Police have said that two unsuccessful attempts was made to kill Harsha a few days back, but on Sunday killers have surrounded him and killed him with deadly weapons.

Tension prevailed in Shegehatti layout, Ravivarma Beedhi, Shyamrao Beedhi. East zone IPG Thyagarajan, SP, Lakshmiprasad, Deputy Commissioner Selvamani, and senior police officers have visited the spot.

Reasons for killing yet to ascertain by the police, but saffron party leaders have directly linked to communal angle to the incident. Mr. Eshwarappa went one step further and blamed that killing was taken place after the provocation of D.K. Shivakumar. 

Congress has blasted K.S.Eshwarappa for his 'irresponsible' statement. "Without investigating the crime, how can he give such an irresponsible statement, Home Minister said he cannot blame any organization  and individual, but Eshwarappa directly giving communal angle to the crime", Congress legislator Priyank Kharge criticized.