The tragic murder of the daughter of a city Corporation Councillor at her college campus has ignited widespread condemnation and protests. The incident has escalated into a political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka. While the ruling party attempts to portray it as a personal matter, the saffron party suspects a “love jihad” angle and criticizes the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

Protests led by BJP’s student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and other Hindutva-aligned organizations are demanding justice and severe punishment for the accused. Similar demonstrations have been reported in various locations.

The victim, Neha Hiremath, a first-year Master of Computer Applications student, was stabbed to death on the campus of BVB College. The accused, Fayaz Khondunaik, who fled the scene, was later apprehended by the police. According to authorities, Fayaz, who was previously Neha’s classmate, claimed during interrogation that they were in a relationship, but she had recently been avoiding him.

In Fayaz’s hometown of Munavalli, demonstrations condemning the murder have taken place. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, suspecting a “love jihad” angle, criticized the Congress regime for the deteriorating law and order situation.

However, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that there was no evidence of “love jihad” at present, suggesting that the incident stemmed from personal reasons. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed this sentiment, asserting that the law and order situation in Karnataka remains intact.

Amidst the political rhetoric, BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai called for a high-level inquiry, expressing concern over the handling of the case. The discrepancies in statements from authorities have raised suspicions of political motives in addressing the tragedy.

The victim’s family and opposition parties have sharply criticized the government’s handling of the situation. State BJP chief B Y Vijayendra held the Congress accountable for the deteriorating law and order, while Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar reiterated the government’s commitment to justice through legal channels.

Source: PTI

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