From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 23: Several persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of Hindu activist Harsha in Shivamogga and investigations are being intensified, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said here on Wednesday, February 23.

"We will know the progress of the investigation after the interrogation of the arrested persons," he said.

The Chief Minister made it clear that the State Government’s priority is to ensure that peace and harmony is maintained in Shivamogga, where curfew is still underway.

Asked about the charges by the Congress leaders that the procession carried out in connection with the cremation of Harsha was sponsored and carried out under the protection of the ruling party and that restrictions under Section 144 were wantonly disregarded in Shivamogga, Bommai said the Congress party leaders may be speaking out of their own experience as they must have done such state-sponsored activities when they were in power.

The Chief Minister asserted that the State Government is taking all efforts to maintain law and order situation and maintain peace.

Bommai launched the Muzrai Department’s Integrated Temple Management Service (ITMS) and Daiva Sankalpa programmes at the Chief Minister’s Home office of Krishna in the morning.

Muzrai Minister Shashikala Jolle, MLA S A Ramdas, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary N Manjunath Prasad, Revenue Department Secretary Tushar Girinath, Muzrai Department Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri and others were present.

Later, a delegation of the BJP elected representatives called on the Chief Minister on the problems faced by the weavers under the leadership of Minister Shashikala Jolle, MLAs Mahadevappa Patil Yadavada, Doddanagouda Patil and others.

The Chief Minster met Srishaila Peetha pontiff D Channasiddarama Panditaradya Shivacharya Swamiji and sought his blessings.