Huge protest in Hubballi over Anjali and Neha’s murders

Members of various communities and organisations led by religious heads including Sri Shanthabheeshma Chowdaiah Swami took out a huge protest march in Hubballi on Saturday condemning the murder of Anjali Ambiger and Neha Hiremath seeking stringent punishment to the accused.

Members of various communities and organisations led by religious heads including Sri Shanthabheeshma Chowdaiah Swami took out a huge protest march in Hubballi on Saturday condemning the murders of Anjali Ambiger and Neha Hiremath seeking stringent punishment of the accused.

The protest march, which began from Anjali’s residence at Veerapur Oni, covered the thoroughfares of the city before reaching the landmark Kittur Chennamma Circle where a protest meeting was held.

Along with members of Gangamata community, members of various communities including Koli, Ambiger and Sunagar took part in the protest. Sri Fakira Dingaleshwar Swami of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Mutt also joined the protest, while Niranjan Hiremath, the father of student Neha Hiremath (who was killed last month) led the protest from the beginning.

Mr. Hiremath, although a Congress municipal councillor, has been vocal in his demand for changing the Police Commissioner in the wake of recurring instances of crime in the twin cities. He has also raised question over the Home Minister not visiting Hubballi to review the law and order issue, despite Neha’s case attracting widespread condemnation across the country.

On reaching the Kittur Chennamma Circle, the protesters burnt old tyres and formed a human chain to register their protest. A protest meeting was held at Kittur Chennamma Circle during which the younger sister of Anjali Ambiger collapsed while speaking on the stage, but recovered subsequently. Later, a memorandum was submitted to Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad seeking assistance to the victim’s family and stringent punishment to the accused.

Meanwhile Labour Minister and district in charge Santosh Lad along with MLA Prasad Abbayya met Anjali’s family in Hubballi on Saturday and consoled them. Asking Anjali’s granddaughter and her sisters to be brave, Mr. Lad handed over a cheque of ₹2 lakh from Lad Foundation. Mr. Lad said he would urge the government to hand the case over to the CID.

Mr. Lad’s visit led to a protest by BJP members led by Anup Bijawad who sought answers from the Minister for the delay in visiting the victim’s family.