The tragic murder of Neha, a 23-year-old Masters of Computer Applications (MCA) student and the daughter of a Karnataka Congress corporator, inside the BVB College campus in Hubballi has sparked intense political debates in the state, focusing particularly on love jihad allegations.Neha was brutally attacked by Fayaz, a known acquaintance, on the college premises. CCTV footage captured the horrific incident where Fayaz repeatedly stabbed Neha before fleeing the scene. Despite immediate medical attention, Neha succumbed to her injuries. Fayaz was subsequently apprehended by the police.Victims Fathers TestimonyNiranjan Hiremath, Nehas father, revealed that Fayaz had proposed to Neha previously, but she had declined due to their differing backgrounds. She refused his proposal, saying they both belonged to different castes and that she did not wish to have any relationship with him. Out of anger, he stabbed my daughter, Hiremath stated, shedding light on the motive behind the attack.#WATCH | Congress Corporator and father of the deceased, Niranjan Hiremath says After my daughter was returning from college, an unknown person came and stabbed him 7 times and she died on the spot. The accused has already been arrested. The motive of the murder is that the… pic.twitter.com/ueqFcIuWxs— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024Political Backlash and Love Jihad AllegationsThe BJP seized on the incident, alleging love jihad involvement and criticizing the Congress governments handling of law and order. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi pointed fingers at the state government, claiming a failure in maintaining law and order. However, State Home Minister G Parameshwara refuted these claims, asserting that Neha and Fayaz had a previous relationship that had soured.Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of fear-mongering and attempted politicization. He dismissed the love jihad narrative as an attempt to create panic and undermine the states law enforcement capabilities.Protests and Calls for JusticeThe BJPs youth wing, ABVP, led protests demanding justice for Nehas tragic death. Thousands of students joined the demonstrations, calling for swift action and justice. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the public of a thorough investigation and maximum punishment for the accused, emphasizing the governments commitment to delivering justice.#WATCH | Karnataka: On a college student hacked to death in Hubballi campus, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says BJP is trying to threaten by showing that there is no law and order in Karnataka. Karnataka has the best law and order. They are just trying to tell the voters that they are… pic.twitter.com/FLFnZ921yw— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024The incident has not only brought sorrow but also sparked a broader discussion on law enforcement, communal narratives, and social harmony, prompting calls for a fair and transparent investigation into Nehas untimely demise.
