Protests Erupt Demanding Justice for Neha Hiremath

Niranjan Hiremath, the father of Neha Hiremath, who tragically lost her life at the hands of her classmate Fayaz, strongly criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement.

Siddaramaiah stated that Neha’s murder stemmed from personal reasons, which Niranjan found disappointing and urged him to refrain from making such statements without a full understanding of the situation. He expressed concern that the term “personal reasons” could unfairly stain the reputation of the Hiremath family and his daughter.

Niranjan also rebuked Home Minister G Parameshwara for implying in Tumakuru that Neha and the accused were in love and that Fayaz murdered her due to rejection. Niranjan clarified that his daughter was not in love, deeming the Deputy Chief Minister’s statement misleading and damaging.

In another development, members of Dalit organizations staged a protest in the city, demanding justice for Neha and advocating for the strictest punishment for the accused. Pramod Mutalik, the chief of Sri Rama Sena, also expressed his condolences for Neha while strongly condemning the heinous crime.

Meanwhile, in Fayaz’s hometown of Munavalli in Belagavi district, protests erupted, blocking the Savadatti-Sankeshwar state highway. Business owners shut down their establishments in solidarity with the protesters. Both BJP and Congress leaders, as well as members of the Hindu and Muslim communities, held separate demonstrations demanding the death penalty for Fayaz. Congress MLA Vishwas Vaidya from Savadatti, BJP’s Rajya Sabha Member Iranna Kadadi, and JD(S) leader Anand Chopra led the protests.

In fear of reprisals from the enraged public, Fayaz’s parents have vacated their house and relocated. Even the neighbors have left their homes, fearing violence.

ABVP members protested in Hubballi by blocking the busy Hubballi-Dharwad Road near BVB College, while in Belagavi, ABVP activists staged another protest.

Bajarang Dal activists and members of the Hindu Jana Jagruti Samiti demanded that the accused be swiftly brought to justice, with some even calling for extrajudicial measures. Altaf Hallur, the President of the Congress party in Hubballi-Dharwad, condemned the brutal murder and urged authorities to hand over the accused so that they could administer justice in Chennamma Circle.

Anjuman-e-Islam has submitted a memorandum to the authorities requesting the harshest punishment under the Indian Penal Code, stressing that Fayaz should not escape the death penalty.

Neha was laid to rest according to the religious rituals of Veerashaiva Jangama traditions. Thousands attended her funeral, demanding justice for her untimely demise.

Home Minister Dispels Love Jihad Angle in Neha Hiremath Murder Case