Neha Hiremath murder: Father alleges police negligence, BJP targets Karnataka government
PTC News Desk: The brutal murder of Neha Hiremath in Hubballi, Karnataka, has become the epicenter of a political storm, with accusations flying between the ruling Congress government and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Niranjan Hiremath, father of the deceased and a Congress leader himself, has raised serious allegations against the police, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe due to what he perceives as negligence and attempts to divert the case.
Expressing his frustration, Niranjan Hiremath emphasised the failure of the police to apprehend any suspects despite the provision of names, casting doubt on the sincerity of the investigation. He further criticised the handling of the case by the police commissioner, calling for her transfer for alleged negligence. Hiremath's plea for a CBI investigation underscores the loss of faith in the local authorities' ability to deliver justice.
In response to Niranjan Hiremath's accusations, Amit Malviya, the head of BJP's IT cell, lambasted the Congress government for its purported indifference and sluggishness in addressing the issue. Malviya highlighted the absence of any Congress leaders visiting the grieving father and criticised what he termed as the party's appeasement politics. He questioned whether Neha Hiremath would ever receive the justice she deserves.
The BJP has also seized upon the tragedy, labeling it as a case of "love jihad," a term used to allege forced conversions through romantic relationships. This characterisation has been vehemently denied by the Congress, escalating the political tensions surrounding the case. Calls for capital punishment for the accused, Fayaz Khondunaik, have sparked protests across Karnataka.
BJP president JP Nadda joined the fray, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara of interfering with and diluting the investigation. Nadda condemned what he perceived as attempts to downplay the severity of the crime for political gains, citing remarks made by state officials. Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa echoed similar sentiments, criticising the state government for its lackadaisical approach to the matter.
As the investigation unfolds, the Neha Hiremath murder case has transcended its legal dimensions, morphing into a battleground for political point-scoring. Amidst the blame game and heated rhetoric, the quest for justice for Neha remains paramount, overshadowed by the political bickering that has engulfed the state of Karnataka.
- With inputs from agencies
