Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga

Updated

Shivamogga, Feb 21: Tension prevailed here during the funeral procession of Harsha, a Bajrang Dal worker who was murdered by a gang of four late night on Sunday February 20.

According to media reports, miscreants pelted stones at Harsha's funeral procession which was held amid tight police security.

Three persons were reportedly injured and at least 20 vehicles were said to be damaged. A few vehicles were set on fire.

Some media reports claimed that the people who pelted stones were carrying saffron flags.

Among the injured included a photojournalist who suffered head injuries and a civilian who was injured in the stone-pelting. A female police personnel was also injured in the chaos.

The body of Harsha was being taken from District McGann Hospital to Rotary cemetery at Vidyanagar after the post-mortem when miscreants disrupted the procession as they hurled stones near NT road.

The police brought the situation under control and ensured that the procession would move on smoothly. Azadnagar, Vidyanagar, Clarkpet and Seegehatti were the most affected areas. About 20 vehicles were damaged and few were set ablaze. Shops and other establishments in the area were shut to prevent any further incidents.

Earlier Report

Shivamogga tense as Bajrang Dal worker hacked to death, home minister appeals for peace

Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)

Updated

Shivamogga, Feb 21: In an incident which happened in Bharathi Colony in the city, a gang of miscreants hacked a youth to death with lethal weapons.

The person who lost his life has been identified as Harsha, a Bajrang Dal worker.

The murder happened at about 10 pm on Sunday February 20, sources said.

The miscreants, who came in a car, had chased him and attacked him with lethal weapons and then escaped from the spot.

The police who came to know about the murder rushed to the spot. They have been hunting for the murderers.

After the incident, the situation in and around McGann Hospital here turned tense.

ANI news agency reported that several vehicles were burnt in the Seegehatti area in Shivamogga city. A fire brigade team has reached the spot to douse the fire.

A large number of Sangh Parivar workers accumulated at the hospital. Police presence in the hospital premises was strengthened and a close vigil is being kept on the development taking place there.

Harsha was a tailor and held the position of 'Prakanda Sahakaryadarshi' (coordinator) in the district.

Harsha was actively involved in Bajrang Dal and VHP activities. He used to be at the forefront during Ganesh festivities and visarjan ceremony. Tense situation prevailed immediately after the incident.

Harsha had allegedly put up a post abusing another religion and a complaint had been lodged against him in the Doddapet police station. He was getting threatening calls.

Additional forces have been called to avoid any untoward incidents in the district and police have launched a hunt for the miscreants. Three bikes and one goods vehicle were torched in Sigehatti in Shivamogga. The post-mortem will be conducted on Monday morning and the body will be handed over to the family afterwards. Elaborate security arrangements have been taken up to maintain law and order and peace.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said on Monday, "The 23-year-old youth has been brutally murdered. I visited Shivamogga and I have also met his family. I have assured his parents and sister that I can't bring back the dead person, but won't spare the killers. The action will be initiated against them."

"The hijab issue has nothing to do with this incident and it has happened for different reasons. Shivamogga is a sensitive city. The incident has taken place on the main road and the police are on high alert. We have clues, shortly they will be arrested. I appeal to the people to maintain calm. All measures have been taken, people should not get provoked. The government will give justice to the deceased person. Special teams have been formed to nab the murderers, shortly we will give updates on it," Araga Jnanendra explained.

With IANS inputs