Police have leads into murder of Hindutva activist in Shivamogga: Karnataka CM
The Hindu
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai refuses to comment on Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa’s allegations that ‘Muslim goondas’ were responsible for the murder
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the police have clues about the perpetrators of the violence in Shivamogga. “I have got information that the police have got leads. They will take them to the logical conclusion,” he said.
The Chief Minister said, “The culprits will be nabbed as soon as possible. I have directed the police to prevent untoward incidents in Shivamogga.”
On Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa’s allegations that ‘Muslim goondas’ were responsible for the murder, Mr. Bommai said, “All I can say is that the investigation will bring out the truth.”
Suspecting a conspiracy behind the murder of Hindutva activist Harsha, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shobha Karandlaje wants the Karnataka Government to seek a probe by National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the episode.
In a letter to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Ms. Karandlaje alleged that Karnataka had earlier witnessed incidents of youth working in Hindu organisations being targeted and murdered. She made a reference to the alleged role of Popular Front of India (PFI) in the murder of right-wing activist Rudresh in Bengaluru.
The Shakti Scheme in Karnataka has completed its first year, yet the smart cards intended for the beneficiaries remain undistributed. According to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, while the smart cards have been prepared, their issuance has been stalled due to the absence of electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) in all buses, making them impractical.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok were engaged in war of words over the Lok Sabha election results on Tuesday, with the former calling the latter “ignorant and entertaining people”. In response, Mr. Ashok said the Chief Minister “sometimes wakes up from deep slumber to exhibit his arrogance and anger”.