POLICE ARRESTED THE MURDERERS OF HARSHA

(The Quiver) : After violence in Karnataka’s Shivamogga over the killing of a member of the right-wing Bajrang Dal. Twelve people are being questioned in custody and three of them have been arrested over the murder of 26-year-old Harsha, who was stabbed on Sunday night by a group who came in a car. A minister also said the murder would be investigated from “all angles including the hijab row”.

Violence broke out when Harsha’s body was being taken for last rites in a procession. Over 5,000 people had joined the 8-km funeral procession. Cars were set on fire and stone-pelting was reported. At least three persons, including a photo journalist and a policewoman, were injured. Several two-wheelers were either damaged or burnt. The situation became so worse that the police had to fire teargas shells and use lathis to control the crowds. Schools and colleges were declared shut and large gatherings were banned.

The police revealed that Harsha was killed over “personal enmity”. “As of now, we strongly believe this has happened with regard to previous enmity. Further investigations are on,” said police officer Dr K Thiyagarajan.

Several BJP leaders, including Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa and Union Minister of state Shobha Karandlaje, have alleged a conspiracy behind Harsha’s murder and have demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe.

Mr Eshwarappa on Monday controversially blamed the murder on “Muslim goons” and accused Congress’ Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar of instigating the killing with comments he had made at the height of the hijab protests.