Six people have been arrested in connection with Bajrang Dal activist Harsha murder case in Shivamogga while some are at large, a senior police officer said on Tuesday, as stray incidents of arson and violence were reported in the city on Tuesday morning.
The 28 year-old Harsha was stabbed to death on Sunday night, leading to clamping of prohibitory order even as the city witnessed arson, violence and stone pelting.
"We have arrested Mohammed Kashif, Syed Nadeem, Ashifullah Khan, Rehan Khan, Nehal and Abdul Afnan in connection with the case. All are aged between 20 and 22 years, except Kashif who is 32. They are all residents of Shivamogga," Superintendent of Police B M Lakshmi Prasad told reporters.
He said these people were earlier staying together but were now living separately. Kashif has some criminal cases against him.
According to Prasad, a few more are involved in the case and a manhunt has been launched to track them.
The police officer said 12 more people were detained and questioned but their role did not come to light.
Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said on Tuesday: "More than 12 people have been taken into custody. Interrogation is on".
He said three of them have already been arrested, adding, "If they (the remaining) are involved, they will be arrested".
Jnanendra told reporters in Bengaluru that a detailed investigation, encompassing all angles, including the hijab row, role of religious outfits, funding and who provided vehicle, is being conducted.
Appealing for peace and calm, the minister said such incidents should stop in the state.
"Police have performed their duties. We appeal to people not to allow any room for disturbing peace. The government will certainly arrest the criminals and get them punishment appropriately,"
He also asked called upon the people of the state to end 'these kind of murders'.
"These kind of murders should stop and it should end with Harsha's murder. This is the commitment of the government and the police department. We are taking this case to the logical end. So, there should not be any doubt among people," the minister said.
Jnanendra said senior officers have camped in Shivamogga and were lending their special guidance to the investigation team.
He also assured that those involved in stone pelting will also be brought to book.
Following Harsha's killing, the city witnessed violence, arson, stone-pelting and damage to the properties during the funeral procession on Monday that left at least three persons, including a photo journalist and a policewoman, injured. Several two-wheelers were either damaged or torched.
Police personnel have been deployed at every nook and corner of the city. The district authorities have appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm.
Additional Director General of Police C Pratap Reddy said a few vehicles were burnt in Tunganagar on Tuesday morning, despite prohibitory orders which have been clamped under section 144 of the CrPC.
"Following the murder of Harsha, there was a very tense situation in the city and certain surrounding areas. Additional forces were rushed to Shivamogga and lot of arrangements were made by the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police to ensure that the fallout of the murder does not spread further," Reddy said.
The official said 14 different incidents of arson and violence took place in the city (after the murder), which would require filing of FIRs.
In three cases FIRs have been registered, he said, adding that the police were trying to trace those who lost their motorbikes and properties in the arson and violence.
Earlier, a few Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including Karnataka Minister K S Eshwarappa and Union Minister of state Shobha Karandlaje claimed a conspiracy behind Harsha's murder, and demanded a National Investigation Agency probe into it.
Eshwarappa, who is from the district, alleged that "Mussalman goondas" were behind the activist's murder.
BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B L Santosh alleged Harsha was killed by jihadi fundamentalists for his opposition to hijab at educational institutions.
Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka said the murder has a link with the ongoing hijab row in the state.
"This murder happened when the hijab controversy started. It is evident that there is a link between this murder and the hijab row," Ashoka said.
A few Muslim girls from Udupi had approached the Karnataka high court when they were allegedly denied entry to the classes with their hijab or the Islamic headscarves on.
In reaction to the girls wearing hijab, some Hindu students started coming to college wearing saffron scarves. The trend of hijab versus saffron scarves gradually spread to other parts of the state leading to communal tension in some educational institutions.
