BENGALURU/HUBBALI: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara issued an apology Saturday for his controversial remarks regarding the murder of 24-year-old MCA student Neha Hiremath in Hubballi this Thursday, as the state’s Congress govt went into damage-control mode amidst protests and widespread public outrage.
While some people alleged that Neha was fatally stabbed on her campus in an act of “love jihad”, CM Siddaramaiah refrained from attributing personal motives to the crime.”The killer has been promptly held, and govt will ensure stringent punishment. However, this is not a case of love jihad,” he said.
Parameshwara apologised to Neha’s parents, after suggesting earlier that she and accused Fayaz Kondikoppa were “in love”. “If my statements hurt Neha’s parents, I regret issuing them,” he said amidst ABVP activists attempting a demonstration outside his home in Bengaluru.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar echoed the CM’s sentiments. “There will be no mercy for anyone. The punishment will be in accordance with the law, and all involved will face imprisonment,” he said, while acknowledging concerns raised by leaders of the minority community.
Advocating for a fast-track trial, industries minister MB Patil said: “Awarding capital punishment will help avoid recurrence of such crimes.” In a show of solidarity, women and child welfare minister Laxmi Hebbalkar visited Neha’s family in Hubballi. “There will be an impartial investigation to ensure justice for Neha,” she assured Neha’s father Niranjan Hiremath, affirming police autonomy in conducting the probe.
While some people alleged that Neha was fatally stabbed on her campus in an act of “love jihad”, CM Siddaramaiah refrained from attributing personal motives to the crime.”The killer has been promptly held, and govt will ensure stringent punishment. However, this is not a case of love jihad,” he said.
Parameshwara apologised to Neha’s parents, after suggesting earlier that she and accused Fayaz Kondikoppa were “in love”. “If my statements hurt Neha’s parents, I regret issuing them,” he said amidst ABVP activists attempting a demonstration outside his home in Bengaluru.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar echoed the CM’s sentiments. “There will be no mercy for anyone. The punishment will be in accordance with the law, and all involved will face imprisonment,” he said, while acknowledging concerns raised by leaders of the minority community.
Advocating for a fast-track trial, industries minister MB Patil said: “Awarding capital punishment will help avoid recurrence of such crimes.” In a show of solidarity, women and child welfare minister Laxmi Hebbalkar visited Neha’s family in Hubballi. “There will be an impartial investigation to ensure justice for Neha,” she assured Neha’s father Niranjan Hiremath, affirming police autonomy in conducting the probe.
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