VHP urges NIA probe into murder of Hubballi college student

Team Udayavani, Apr 20, 2024, 3:24 PM IST

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a thorough investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the tragic murder of Neha, a first-year MCA student at a college in Hubballi. Neha was the daughter of Niranjan Hiremath, a member of the Hubli Dharwad Mahanagara Corporation.

Addressing the media in Mangalore on Saturday, Sharan Pumpwell, the Provincial Joint Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, asserted that Neha was brutally stabbed nine times by a fanatic named Fayaz, leading to her untimely demise. Pumpwell expressed concern over the rising incidents of “love jihad” and alleged the involvement of Fayaz’s associates and Muslim extremist organizations in the heinous act.

Highlighting a broader trend, Pumpwell claimed that attacks against Hindus have escalated since the Congress government assumed power in the state, with fundamentalist groups allegedly orchestrating efforts to Islamize Karnataka by instilling fear among Hindus. He underscored the alarming rise in violence against young women, calling for immediate action to address the issue.

In a notable suggestion, Pumpwell proposed that women in Karnataka should have the option to carry a kirpan for self-defense, similar to the practice observed in Punjab. He advocated for the organization of self-defense training camps for young women to empower them against potential threats.

The press conference also saw the presence of VHP Provincial Coordinator Bhujanga Kulal, District President HK Purushotham, and Bajrang Dal Divisional Coordinator Puneeth Attavar.