"Murder of 26-Years Old, Not Linked With Hijab": State HM Jnanedra

Investigation not revealed the link of Hijab Controversy with murder

Bengaluru: Ahead of the Hijab murder controversy, where a 26-year-old member of right-wing outfit Bajrang Dal was stabbed to death last night, the state is burning as vehicles were set on fire and isolated incidents of stone-pelting were reported as tension spread in Karnataka's Shivamogga town.

According to State Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, the investigation so far has not revealed any link between the murder and the raging hijab controversy. However, another minister's remarks accusing Congress leaders of instigating the killing have sparked off a political war of words.

While speaking to the media, State HM Jnanendra said, "The hijab issue has nothing to do with this incident and it has happened for different reasons. Shivamogga is a sensitive city." However, his office has said police are probing the crime from all angles.

After the incidents of arson, police have been deployed in large numbers and the administration has restricted public gatherings. Schools and colleges in the district will remain shut for now. Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai has said police have found clues and are working on them.

Moreover, Karnataka's Rural Development minister KS Eshwarappa has accused Congress' Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar of instigating the killing with comments he had made at the height of the hijab protests.

"We have found clues and are close to arresting the accused. This has nothing to do with the hijab controversy. Harsha and the gang of youths knew each other. This seems to be the result of an old rivalry," the police officer said.

Police said Harsha was attacked by at least four persons around 9 pm last night. He was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries but did not survive.

Soon after the attack, unidentified people set several vehicles in Shivamogga on fire.

Visuals from the city showed the burnt vehicles and heavy police presence. Equipped with riot control gear, police marched in the neighbourhood to prevent a flare-up over the attack.