"Muslim goons killed him": Karnataka minister on Bajrang Dal activist's death

Shivamogga: As prohibitory orders clamp down in Shivamogga following the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist, Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj K S Eshwarappa hit out at the murderers, alleging that they were "Muslim goons" and that he would be on the ground to analyse the situation.

Eshwarappa also accused the Congress of provoking the goons to kill 26 year-old Harsha, according to a few reports.

"I'm very disturbed by the murder of the Bajrang Dal activist. He was killed by 'Musalmaan goondas'. I'm going to Shivamogga now to analyse the situation. We'll not allow goondaism," Eshwarappa said.

Home minister Araga Jnanendra met the family members of the victim and promised swift action in the case. He, however, refused to divulge any details about those responsible for the murder.

"We have already got a clue, but I cannot share much as the investigation is underway. The satisfactory part is that we know who did it and they will be apprehended soon. There were around four-five people. We will give a stern message through this case," said the Karnataka Home Minister.

Responding to allegations of Congress' involvement, senior party leader DK Shivakumar said that Eshwarappa was a "mad man" and should be sacked a sedition case filed against him. Congress members have been protesting for Eshwarappa to be removed from office after his remarks on the "saffron flag" one day replacing the national flag went public.

The Congress staged a sit-in protest at the Karnataka Parliament last week and interrupted sessions which led to the Assembly being adjourned to Monday.

Meanwhile, state Congress leader Siddaramaiah demanded the resignation of the home minister over the incident.

"I condemn this incident. It took place in the district from where the home minister and chief minister (Basavaraj Bommai) come. The culprit should be hanged. I demand the state home minister's resignation," said Siddaramaiah.

Police have not confirmed any link to the ongoing tensions in the state over the hijab ban controversy.

"Local police, RAF are deployed to maintain law and order. Section 144 has been declared in the area. Further probe into the incident is underway," said deputy commissioner of Shivamogga district Selvamani R.

The deceased's body taken to his residence amid heavy police security after postmortem. A large numbers of workers of right wing outfits were seen following the ambulance. Several incidents of violence have been reported from the Seegehatti area, where vehicles were torched. Firefighters were currently putting out the flames, an ANI report revealed.