HUBBALLI, 20 APRIL

The members of the Muslim community in Hubballi-Dharwad have condemned the murder of Neha Hiremath, an MCA student, on the premises of the KLE Technological University in Hubballi. 

Anjuman-E-Islam, a local organisation representing the Muslim community, has also called for the stern punishment of the accused. A delegation by the organisation presented a memorandum to Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner, Renuka Sukumar on Saturday.

The letter stated that the murder shocked the people of Hubballi and all students of Karnataka. “Through this letter, we request that an impartial investigation be carried out without any political or caste colour and arrest the accused who committed the murder, provide justice to the family of Niranjan Hirematha who lost his daughter and give the accused a severe punishment,” the letter said. 

Fayaz, a resident of Munavalli near Savadatti in Belagavi, arrested for murdering Neha has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. However, this has not quelled the public outcry. Protests also erupted in his hometown with individuals from various backgrounds, including Muslims, gathering at the town square and shouting slogans against the accused. The residents also observed a voluntary bandh. Concerned over the law and order situation, police deployed additional personnel to ensure public safety and provide security to the residence of the accused.

The Anjuman-e-Islam presidents of Alnavara, Kundagola, Kalaghatag and Hubballi have also petitioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding severe punishment for the accused. -Salar News