Karnataka: Shivamogga Tense, MLA Announces Rs 2 Lakh Compensation For Kin Of Dead Bajrang Dal Activist

Harsha, a resident of Seegehatti, was attacked by a group of unknown persons at Bharati Colony in Shivamogga. His funeral procession witnessed violence including stone-pelting and arson.

Rioters throw stones during a procession of the members of a Hindu outfit, as tension spreads in Karnataka's Shivamogga town over the murder of a member of right-wing outfit Bajrang Dal on Sunday night, in Shivamogga, Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

New Delhi: Karnataka MLA MP Renukacharya on Monday announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the kin of Harsha, a 28-year-old Bajrang Dal activist who was murdered in Shivamogga.

Harsha, a resident of Seegehatti, was attacked by a group of unknown persons at Bharati Colony in Shivamogga on Sunday night. He was taken to McGann Hospital where he succumbed to injuries, news agency PTI reported.

Earlier in the day, the funeral procession of the deceased witnessed violence including stone-pelting and arson. A photojournalist and policewoman were among those who sustained injuries.

Following are the developments in the case so far: 

• MP Renukacharya, a BJP MLA from Honnali, has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for Harsha's family. "The loss of Harsha is like losing my own son. I stand with his family, am giving them Rs 2 lakhs," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
  
  
• Shivamogga Superintendent of Police, Laxmi Prasad BM, said that the police requested the Deputy Commissioner to impose a curfew starting tonight till tomorrow morning. He said that everything was peaceful after the procession ended. The total deployment of police forces will be more than 500 in number, he informed.
  
  
• Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra informed that three persons have been arrested in connection with the murder case. "Detailed investigation is on... an investigation report will reveal things on reason and details.....three people have been arrested so far... who, where, how I cannot disclose as investigation is on, interrogation has to happen to know the reasons for the murder," he said, as quoted by PTI.
  
  He also said, prima facie according to his information five people were said to be involved in the murder, but how many are behind them and other related details will come out from the investigation.
  
  
• A few BJP leaders including Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa and Union Minister of state Shobha Karandlaje claimed a conspiracy behind Harsha's murder. In a letter to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Shobha Karandlaje even demanded an NIA probe into the case.
  
  
• There was stone-pelting when Harsha's body was being taken from District McGann Hospital, PTI cited official sources as saying. It was informed that at least three persons, including a photojournalist and a policewoman, were injured when miscreants pelted stones during the funeral procession that took place amid tight security.
  
  Several vehicles were also damaged and torched. There were also reports regarding some shops being ransacked by miscreants, and police vehicles being set on fire inthe violence.
  
  
• Regarding damage to property, ADGP Murugan said that separate cases will be booked, and all those involved, be it a Hindu or a Muslim, will face merciless action.

Hundreds of people took part in the funeral procession that was joined by Minister Eshwarappa, the local MLA, and Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra.

The administration had declared a holiday for schools and colleges in the city, while shops and commercial establishments remained shut in certain parts. Section 144 was also imposed for two days in view of the tense situation. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basvaraj Bommai appealed for peace and said that the government will get the murder investigated and punish the guilty at the earliest.

(With Inputs From Agencies)