Home Minister Dispels Love Jihad Angle in Neha Hiremath Murder Case

Tumakuru: In response to the tragic murder of Neha Hiremath, daughter of Congress party’s Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation member Niranjan Hiremath, Home Minister G Parameshwar shared his initial insights. He stated that, at present, the case, which has shaken Hubballi-Dharwad and neighboring Belagavi district, does not appear to be related to Love Jihad.

Addressing reporters, Parameshwara explained, “From the information I’ve received, it seems that Neha and the accused, Fayaz, were in love. He resorted to extreme violence when Neha began to distance herself from him. I am awaiting further details regarding this case.”

The Home Minister also urged opposition parties not to politicize the issue, emphasizing its sensitivity amidst the state’s imminent polling.

Neha, a first-year MCA student, fell victim to a brutal attack by her lover, Fayaz, in broad daylight within the BVB College campus on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Dharwad District-in-Charge Minister Santosh Lad paid his respects to Neha Hiremath and extended condolences to her grieving family. Lad advocated for stringent measures, suggesting that in such incidents, laws permitting encounters with the accused should be considered.

Several political figures, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and MLAs Arvind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginkai, paid their respects to Neha at her residence. ABVP activists in Hubballi staged a protest by blocking Hubballi-Dharwad Road in front of BVB College, while activists in Belagavi demanded justice for Neha through similar demonstrations.