BJP worker’s killing: ABVP activists protest at Home Minister’s residence, caned by cops

BENGALURU: Days after the murder of a BJP Yuva Morcha activist, members of the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat on Saturday protested outside Home Minister Araga Jnanendra’s residence at Rajmahal Vilas Extension here, demanding a ban on the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and organisations linked to it.

However, they suddenly barged into the premises, and in the melee, some flower pots were broken, The police resorted to caning the crowd to disperse them.

The protesters were led by ABVP secretary Bhuvan, national executive committee member Premashri, Venkatesh, Varun and over 30 others. Additional Commissoner of Police Sandeep Patil DCP (North) Vinayak arrived at the spot and about 40 ABVP activists were taken into custody.

While Home Minister Araga Jnanendra initially raised doubts whether the protesters were indeed ABVP activists, he later said he will speak to them. “I understand their sentiments, and the government is also thinking in that regard. I will invite ABVP members and talk to them.” he said.

The protest comes in the wake of incidents like riots in DG Halli and KG Halli riots and also the killing of BJP worker Praveen Nettaru.

Recent incidents, especially Praveen Nettaru’s murder, have angered many party workers who want the killers to be brought to book. Some in the party believe the perpetrators to be linked to the SDPI and the Popular Front of India (PFI).

Following the incident, opposition parties also attacked the Karanataka government. Taking a dig at the state government, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah said, “If Araga Jnanendra is not removed, it will be difficult for people to come out of their homes in the state.”

“Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai, who did not condemn the serial killings of Dakshina Kannada, did not arrest the perpetrators and put them in jail, but justified their atrocities as action-reaction, is responsible for this,” Siddaramaiah said on Twitter.

He claimed that the law and order situation in the state had hugely worsened. “After the murder of Masood and Praveen Nettaru in Sulya, the murder of a young man named Fazil in Suratkhal is proof that peace and order in the state has completely collapsed. An incompetent Home Secretary seems to have no control over the police department. Because of this, the perpetrators have continued the carnage in a frenzy. Irrespective of party, creed, caste and religion, the murderers should be found out and put in jail,” he added.

Through a series of tweets, the former CM gave vent to his anger claiming that it was very unfortunate that the state BJP government was “calculating the political profit and loss” rather than act effectively. (ANI)