Karnataka: Bajrang Dal activist killed in Shivamogga; security beefed up, schools, colleges closed for two days

Shivamogga (Karnataka): A 26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha was allegedly murdered at around 9 pm last night in Shivamogga.

The security was tightened in the city following the incident.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said that those behind the murder are yet to be identified, adding that the law and order situation is under control in Shivamogga.

Jnanendra said, “A group of 4-5 youth murdered him. I don’t know of any organization being behind this murder. Law and order situation under control in Shivamogga. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in city limits have been closed for two days.”

His name was Harsha. Last night they hacked him to death. The State could not protect him.

Police suspect it was because of his FB posts. He wrote against Hijab. There is tension in Shivamogga – Section 144 is imposed. This is what Harsha’s killers wanted. Please maintain calm. pic.twitter.com/QZtNbq7bwJ

— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) February 21, 2022

KS Eshwarappa, Karnataka rural development minister, said, “I’m very disturbed by the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist. He was killed by ‘Musalmaan goondas’ (Muslim goons). I’m going to Shivamogga now to analyse the situation. We’ll not allow ‘goondaism’.”

Dr Selvamani R, Deputy Commissioner, Shivamogga district, said, “The overall situation is peaceful. Local police, RAF are deployed to maintain law and order. Section 144 has been declared in the area. Further probe into the incident is underway.”