Hindu activist murder case: Home minister appeals for peace while Eshwarappa blames DKShi’s statement for murder

Shivamogga: Minister KS Eshwarappa on Monday, February 21 said that KPCC president DK Shivakumar’s controversial statements on the saffron flag issue irked the Muslim youth and it led to the murder of the Bajrang Dal activist.

Addressing presspersons Eshwarappa said, “We will help Harsha’s family to perform his final rites peacefully. Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has already assured the family that those responsible for the murder will be arrested soon.”

He further added, “Shivamogga was very peaceful. DK Shivakumar disturbed the communal harmony in the district by giving a false statement that Hindu youths are distributing Saffron flags in the district. His statement  irked the Muslim youths, who murdered Harsha.”

Meanwhile, state home minister Araga Jnanendra met the deceased Harsha’s family and assured them that those responsible for the murder of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha will be arrested and punished at the earliest.

Addressing pressperson Jnanendra said, “Police know that five people were involved and they will arrest the culprits soon. However, there is no information about the organization which backed this murder. We are yet to pool together clear information. ”

The minister further said that angry people have pelted stones and torched the motorbikes. “I request people not to get emotional. It is necessary to maintain peace and order in the city,” he said.

“Holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in the city today. It is necessary to undertake precautionary measures to make sure that such incidents do not recur,” he said.

In the light of the perceived risk of friction between communities, section 144 has been clamped in the city.