Bajrang Dal Activist Murder Case: Eight Arrested, Confirms Home Minister Araga Jnanendra

Shivamogga Violence: Additional Director General of Police C Pratap Reddy told reporters that all the accused have been identified.

On Tuesday, a few vehicles were burnt in Tunganagar despite prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC (PTI)

New Delhi: Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday said that eight people have been arrested with Bajrang Dal activist Harsha's murder in the Shivamogga district.

He further said till yesterday six accused were arrested. They were identified as Mohammed Kashif, Sayed Nadeem, Afsifullah Khan, Rehan Sharef, Nihan, Abdul Afnan, said Shivamogga SP Laxmi Prasad.

On Tuesday, a few vehicles were torched in Tunganagar despite prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC. The government has extended curfew in the Shivamogga district.

"Curfew extended in the district. Movement allowed from 6 am-9 am. Section 144 was extended by two more two days till Friday morning. Schools will remain shut during these days," ANI quoted Selvamani R, Deputy Commissioner, Shivamogga, as saying.

Additional Director General of Police C Pratap Reddy told reporters that all the accused have been identified.

"All the accused have been identified by police and arrests have been made. Other arrests would soon be made," Reddy said.

We identified 14 different incidents which would require FIRs. Of that, about 3 FIRs have already been filed & in some cases, we're trying to trace the victims who lost their property or bikes to get the FIR done: Pratap Reddy, Addl DGP, Karnataka on violence in Shivamogga y'day pic.twitter.com/6PHObBvpcq

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2022

Reddy said 14 different incidents of arson and violence took place in the city after the murder of Harsha. 

"We identified 14 different incidents that would require FIRs. Of that, about three FIRs have already been filed and in some cases, we are trying to trace the victims who lost their property or bikes to get the FIR done," ANI quoted Reddy as saying.

Harsha, 26, was stabbed to death on Sunday night at Bharathi Nagar, following which violence broke out in the district. Police suspect the involvement of seven people in the murder.

"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.

In Bengaluru, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Gnanendra said over 12 persons have been detained in connection with Harsha's killing, PTI reported.

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said that there was calm in the district now. "There's calm in Shivamogga...KS Eshwarappa didn't lead the procession (for taking the body of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha to his home). He was in procession as local MLA. Action will be taken against whoever damaged property," said the Home Minister.

State Revenue Minister R Ashoka said the murder had 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.