Six people have been arrested in connection with Bajrang Dal leader Harsha murder case in Shivamogga while some are at large, a senior police officer said on Tuesday, February 22, as stray incidents of arson and violence were reported in the city. Harsha, a 28 year-old, was stabbed to death on Sunday night leading to clamping of prohibitory order even as the city witnessed arson, violence and stone pelting. The district administration has extended the curfew till Friday. District Commissioner Dr Selvamani stated on Tuesday that a further decision in this regard will be taken on Friday morning. A holiday has been declared in schools and colleges.
"We have arrested Mohammed Kashif, Syed Nadeem, Ashifullah Khan, Rehan Khan, Nehal and Abdul Afnan in connection with the case. All are aged between 20 to 22 years, except Kashif who is 32. They are all residents of Shivamogga," Superintendent of Police BM Lakshmi Prasad told reporters.
He said these people were earlier staying together but were now living separately. Kashif has some criminal cases against him. According to Prasad, a few more are involved in the case and a manhunt has been launched to track them. The police officer said 12 more people were detained and questioned but their role did not come to light.
Following Harsha's killing, the city witnessed violence, arson, stone-pelting and damage to the properties during the funeral procession on Monday that left at least three persons, including a photo journalist and a policewoman, injured. Several two-wheelers were either damaged or torched.
Police personnel have been deployed at every nook and corner of the city. The district authorities have appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm. Additional Director General of Police C Pratap Reddy said a few vehicles were burnt in Tunganagar on Tuesday morning, despite prohibitory orders which have been clamped under section 144 of the CrPC.
"Following the murder of Harsha, there was a very tense situation in the city and certain surrounding areas. Additional forces were rushed to Shivamogga and lot of arrangements were made by the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police to ensure that the fallout of the murder does not spread further," Reddy said.
The official said 14 different incidents of arson and violence took place in the city (after the murder), which would require filing of FIRs. In three cases FIRs have been registered, he said, adding, the police were trying to trace those who lost their motorbikes and properties in the arson and violence
Earlier, a few BJP leaders including Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa and Union Minister of state Shobha Karandlaje claimed a conspiracy behind Harsha's murder, and demanded NIA probe into it. Eshwarappa, who is from the district, alleged "Musalman goondas" were behind the leader’s murder.
BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh alleged Harsha was killed by jihadi fundamentalists for his opposition to hijab at educational institutions. Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka said the murder has a link with the ongoing hijab row in the state. "This murder happened when the hijab controversy started. It is evident that there is a link between this murder and the hijab row," Ashoka said.
A few Muslim girls from Udupi had approached the Karnataka High Court when they were allegedly denied entry to the classes with their hijabs on. In reaction to the girls wearing hijab, some Hindu students started coming to college wearing saffron scarves. The trend of hijab versus saffron scarves gradually spread to other parts of the state leading to communal tension in some educational institutions.
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