Karnataka: Police suspect past criminal record may hold key to murder of Bajrang Dal worker in Shivamogga

In one such case, Harsha was accused by the police of being part of a mob that attacked Muslim traders in Shivamogga city on December 3, 2020.

Notably, Harsha’s murder has already acquired a communal colour with senior BJP minister K S Eshwarappa saying, “It (the murder) has been done by Muslim goondas. The Muslim goondas were never so emboldened in Shivamogga and there should be action against such persons.”

“We know who is behind the murder and they will be arrested. Four to five people are involved in the incident. We will send out a clear message that such incidents will be dealt with in a strong manner. There is some information that there are a couple of cases against the victim as well,” the home minister said on Monday.

Tension prevailed in Shivamogga town in Karnataka. (Express Photo)

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S Murugan, who has been sent by the police top brass to Shivamogga to bring tensions down in the city, told the media on Monday that two persons linked to the murder of the Bajrang Dal worker has been arrested. “Four police teams have been constituted by the SP to investigate the case. We are in the process of arresting the main accused,” the ADGP said.

Meanwhile, incidents of stone throwing and arson have been reported after Harsha’s death in some areas with sizeable number of Muslim residents.

“There have been a few incidents in some parts of the city. We are enforcing strong measures to maintain law and order,” the police official said.

The Congress has sought the resignation of Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and minister K S Eshwarappa, who hails from Shivamogga, over the incident.