Violence erupts in Shivmogga after Bajrang Dal activist's murder

Bengaluru: Following the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist in Karnataka , incidents of arson and stone-pelting have been reported in some parts of Shivmogga city.

The murder took place Sunday night. Videos of Muslim goons, were seen raising Allah Hu Akbar and carrying swords and pelting stones standing atop buildings at Imambada area in Shivmogga.

While the body of the deceased was taken back to his residence in a funeral procession, stone pelting incidents were reported on several business establishments.

Reacting to the tense situation, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said soon the killers would be arrested and instructed the police to maintain law and order and requested people to stay calm.

"Deeply saddened by the murder of a Hindu activist Harsha in Shivamogga. Investigation is on and those responsible for this will be arrested at the earliest. Police officials have been instructed to maintain law and order and I request people also to stay calm," he said.

These incidents engulfed the city after Harsha was stabbed to death by some unidentified person around 2100 hours. The deceased was reportedly chased and killed in Bharathi Colony.

Section 144 has been clamped in the town and holiday has been declared for schools and colleges.

The police are trying to ascertain if this incident is connected with the hijab controversy.

Following the incident, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra visited the family of the deceased Bajrang Dal worker and consoled the kith and kin of Harsha.

"A group of 4-5 youth murdered RSS worker. But this has to be confirmed. I just have the information," he told reporters here. The police have already identified who are behind this murder, but will talk about it later, Jnanendra said, adding that the killers will be arrested soon.

Following the murder, a large number of number of Hindu organisation gathered at the Megan Hospital and started to protest.

At least four vehicles were torched by miscreants and the police had to resort to lathi-charge. (Inputs from UNI)