In a display of solidarity and condemnation, Muslim communities in Dharwad came together to denounce the accused, Fayaz Khondunaik, in the tragic murder of college student Neha Hiremath. The incident, which shook the twin city of Hubballi-Dharwad, prompted Muslims to stage a half-day bandh, shutting down shops and standing in support of the victim’s family.
On Monday, Muslim men and women gathered in large numbers to stage a demonstration, publicly condemning the dastardly act and expressing solidarity with Neha Hiremath’s family. Shops owned by Muslims remained closed for half a day, displaying posters demanding “Justice for Neha Hiremath.” The demonstration, organized under the banner of the Dharwad unit of Anjuman-e-Islam, also saw Muslim students participating actively, holding banners and placards advocating for the respect and protection of girl students.
The atmosphere in Dharwad was tense, with both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP staging demonstrations over the Neha Hiremath murder case. Elaborate security measures were put in place, including the deployment of reserved police forces, to maintain order during the protests.
Neha Hiremath, the daughter of Congress Councillor Niranjan Hiremath, was tragically stabbed to death on the campus of BVB College by Fayaz Khondunaik. The accused, who was a former classmate of Neha, fled the scene but was subsequently arrested by the police.
The murder case has sparked widespread outrage and has become a point of contention between political parties. While the ruling Congress has treated it as a personal incident, the BJP has labeled it as a “love jihad” case, using it to highlight alleged law and order issues in the state.
The BJP’s student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, along with other Hindutva-aligned organizations, has been actively protesting, demanding justice for Neha Hiremath and calling for severe punishment for the accused. Similar protests have been reported in various parts of the state, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the collective demand for justice and accountability.
Sources By Agencies
