Shivamogga: A 27-year-old Bajrang Dal activist was stabbed to death in this district headquarters town, police said Monday, as the administration clamped prohibitory orders and announced a holiday for schools and colleges.
“Harsha was allegedly stabbed to death by unknown assailants on Sunday night at the Ravi Varma lane in Bharathi Colony,” they said.
The town, around 250 km from the state capital Bengaluru, had recently seen protests against the hijab ban and counter agitations in favour of it.
However, the reason behind the killing is not immediately known.
According to Indian Express, police are looking at a series of crimes that Harsha Hindu was involved in for a possible motive for the murder of the man.
“Crime records for the Shivamogga city reveal that Harsha Hindu was involved in at least five cases of assault and attempt to murder including several communal incidents of attacks on rival anti-social elements from the Muslim community,” the report says.
Hindu was was a tailor who hailed from Seegehatti area in Shivamogga district.
The attack took place around 9:30 pm.
After the incident, some supporters of the deceased came out on the streets. Television footage showed them pelting stones. Videos have been circulated of the same.
Home minister Araga Jnanendra rushed to Shivamogga and met the victim’s family. He said the police have got vital clues and would soon arrest those behind the incident.
“A 23-year-old youth has been killed. Such incidents should not happen. Police have got the clue and surely they (the accused) will be arrested soon. I appeal to people to maintain calm,” Jnanendra told reporters.
Deputy commissioner Selvamani R told reporters that prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC have been clamped in the town and orders have been given to shut all the schools and colleges.
“Police are investigating the case and trying to find out the criminals. We are also working with them. Already section 144 has been clamped in the entire city. So, we have announced a holiday for the schools and colleges,” Selvamani said.
Superintendent of police B M Lakshmi Prasad told reporters that a taskforce has been formed to track down those behind the incident.
“Our priority is to find them and get them punished. We request people to cooperate with us and not to act emotionally,” Prasad told reporters.
(With inputs from PTI)
Note: This report is being updated as more information comes in.