Congress Councillor Claims Daughter Victim of 'Love Jihad' in Karnataka Murder Case

Niranjan Hiremath, a Congress councillor in Hubballi, Karnataka, has alleged that his daughter Neha, a 23-year-old MCA student, fell victim to 'love jihad' at the hands of Mohammad Fayyaz, a former classmate. Neha was brutally stabbed to death by Fayyaz on the premises of BVB College, where she was studying, after she rejected his marriage proposal.

According to Hiremath, Fayyaz had been pestering Neha for a relationship, which she had refused due to their different religious backgrounds. Outraged by her rejection, Fayyaz allegedly stabbed Neha multiple times, leading to her death. The incident has sparked widespread protests, with various student groups and organizations demanding justice for Neha and the death penalty for the accused.

The BJP has accused the Congress-led state government of prioritizing appeasement politics over maintaining law and order, while the government has refuted the allegations, stating that the law will take its course. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the incident and directed the police to take stern action, while the Leader of Opposition questioned the law and order situation in the state.

Why this matters: The tragic murder of Neha Hiremath has reignited the debate surrounding 'love jihad' and the safety of women in Karnataka. The incident has exposed the deep-rooted communal tensions and the need for swift action to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.

The police have arrested Fayyaz within an hour of the incident and have assured that justice will be served. Fayyaz's hometown, Munavalli, is observing a three-day bandh to condemn the murder. The accused's family has been taken into protective custody by the police to maintain law and order. Neha's body was taken in a procession for the last rites after the post-mortem examination was conducted.

Key Takeaways

• Neha Hiremath, 23, was allegedly murdered by her former classmate Mohammad Fayyaz.
• Fayyaz allegedly stabbed Neha to death after she rejected his marriage proposal due to religious differences.
• The incident has sparked protests, with demands for justice and death penalty for the accused.
• BJP accuses Congress govt of appeasement, while govt says law will take its course.
• Fayyaz's hometown observes 3-day bandh, his family taken into custody to maintain law and order.