The sister of the Bajranj Dal man whose murder has sparked a massive row in Karnataka since Sunday told DailyExpertNews today that her “brothers” – right-wing men in the Bajrang Dal – will not “let the matter go so easily” and that they will will do. get her “righteousness”. Ashwini also told DailyExpertNews that she was always proud of his activities and never held back from his activism.
“I believe in the justice system. My brothers will give me justice. My brothers will never get off this easy,” she told DailyExpertNews.
Three people have been arrested and about 12 people are being questioned in connection with the murder of 25-year-old Harsha, who was an active member of the right-wing Bajrang Dal.
Sources say Harsha – who was stabbed to death Sunday night by a group arriving in a car – was being watched and had received threats.
Asked if Harsha had received any threats and if he passed them on to the family, Ashwini said: “He never shared anything with us. He had a routine. He would go to work and return home. Our parents are old. never share anything with us”.
When asked if she had ever warned her brother not to participate in any protests or activities of Bajrang Dal, she said: “I was always happy that he was a very active member. I have always supported him. But we never expected that he would lose his life”.
Violence broke out in Shivamogga in Karnataka on Monday during Harsha’s funeral, and his death is believed by many to be linked to the state’s ongoing row over hijab.
Amid the volatile situation, about 1,000 police officers, Rapid Action Force and local police conducted a flag march in the area witnessing violence.
The state government has blamed the local government for the decision to allow his funeral procession, which was attended by about 5,000 people and ended in arson, crushed stone and police lathicharge.
Although the Karnataka government yesterday ruled out any connection with the hijab row, a minister said today the murder will be investigated from “all angles, including the hijab row”.
“Organizations behind the hijab row are also under the scanner, their role is also being looked at. Legal action will be taken against those who engaged in stone pelting yesterday,” said state interior minister Araga Dnyanendra.