BENGALURU, 20 APRIL

The murder of MCA student Neha Hiremath has sent shockwaves across Karnataka, igniting protests and demands for justice from various quarters. Members of the ABVP and Hindu activists took to the streets across the State, condemning the heinous act and demanding capital punishment for the accused, Fayaz Kondikoppa.

The protesters gathered outside the residence of Home Minister G Parameshwara in the City on Saturday, expressing their outrage and burning photos of the accused. However, their efforts were met with police intervention, leading to their detainment for staging a protest without permission.

Hindu activists joined the chorus of condemnation, staging protests in multiple districts, including Ramanagara, Kalaburagi, and Vijayapura. Burning effigies and tires, they demanded justice for Neha.

BJP MP BY Raghavendra said the accused had committed the crime under the influence of ganja. He criticised the Congress government for allegedly failing to provide adequate protection to Neha's family and accused them of prioritising the accused's family.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar pledged swift action, vowing that "everyone involved will be booted into the prison." He reassured the public that justice would be served, regardless of any personal affiliations.

Amidst speculation of the murder being linked to 'love jihad', Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly denied such claims, labelling them as unfortunate attempts to politicise a tragic incident. He emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring stringent punishment for the perpetrator.

Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy criticised the handling of the case by the current administration, accusing them of tarnishing the reputation of the victim's family. He questioned the government's ability to protect its citizens in the wake of such atrocities.

Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar visited the victim's family to offer condolences and reassurance of impartial investigation. Niranjan Hiremath, Neha's father, emotionally pleaded for justice, expressing his anguish over the loss of his daughter.

Investigation being misled: Neha’s father

Niranjan Hiremath, father of Neha has claimed that the investigation of his daughter’s murder is being “misled,” and warned that his family would “commit suicide” if it continues.

About photos of his daughter Neha with the accused Fayaz being released on social media, the Congress corporator said “the photos are fake and 101 per cent done to botch up the investigation. We will write a letter in the name of the Chief Minister and Home Minister and commit suicide. We will also send the letter to the Governor. Instead of getting us justice for the murdered child, they are resorting to bringing disrepute to her and our family,” Niranjan said. -Salar News