Tension in Karnataka’s Shivamogga after killing of Bajrang Dal activist; schools, colleges shut.

Amidst Hijab Row in Karnataka: Hindu activist hacked to death in Shivamogga; tension in the city, prohibitory orders clamped, schools & colleges shut. Jihadi hand suspected behind the murder.

Bajrangdal Activist Hindu Harsha. (PIC. ANI).

R Sathish | HENB | Shivamogga | Feb 21, 2022:: During the Hijab controversy in the state, a Bajrang Dal activist was allegedly murdered on Sunday in Karnataka’s Shivamogga (Shimoga) following which security was tightened in the city. According to police, the incident took place around 9 pm at the Ravi Varma lane in Bharathi Colony. The reason behind the killing is not immediately known. The deceased has been identified as Harsha (26) alias Hindu Harsha or Harsha Bajrangi. According to family inputs, Harsha was getting threats over mobile from some undetectable numbers to stop his organizational activities.

The town, around 250 km from the state capital Bengaluru, had recently seen disruption in some colleges over the hijab row. The reason behind the Sunday killing is not immediately known. But, the Jihadi hands behind this murder cannot be ruled out as the local residents said to HENB.

In many quarters it is said that Harsha was killed in Shivamogga for writing  Facebook posts opposing burqa in classrooms. Recalling that amid the burqa controversy Karnataka Congress leader Mukarram Khan has said that those opposing burqa would be ‘chopped to pieces’

​Police said several vehicles were burnt in the Seegehatti area in Shivamogga city, adding that a fire brigade team has reached the spot to douse the fire. After the incident, many supporters of the deceased man came out on the streets and vented their anger.

Read also: Hindu activist murdered for campaigning against Hijab in Karnataka; fatwa was issued in 2015 against him by FB group ‘Mangalore Muslims’.

Shivamogga still tensed.

Deputy Commissioner Selvamani R told reporters that prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC have been clamped in the town and orders have been given to shut all the schools and colleges. The Shivamogga district administration has also ordered commercial establishments and cinema halls to close by 9pm.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said that the youth was murdered by four-five men, adding that police have got the clue and surely the accused will be arrested soon.

“A group of four-five youth murdered him. I don’t know of any organization being behind this murder. Law and order is under control in Shivamogga. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in city limits have been closed for two days,” the Minister said. “I appeal to people to maintain calm,” he added.