Hubli: In a shocking turn of events, Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath, the father of the late Neha Hiremath, has made a grave allegation regarding his daughter’s murder. Speaking to reporters in Hubli on July 31, Niranjan asserted that Neha’s death was the result of a political conspiracy, and he placed the blame squarely on members of his party. “My daughter was killed by a political conspiracy and it was our party leaders who killed her 100 percent,” he declared, suggesting that “unseen hands” are behind this tragic incident, carrying out a sinister plot.
Neha, a 23-year-old Masters of Computer Applications (MCA) student, was brutally attacked on the campus of Vishwa Vidyalaya in Hubli on April 18, 2024 by former student Mohammed Fayaz. Followed by statewide protest against alleged love jihad the state government handed over the case to CID. The CID submitted charge sheet but ruled out love jihad angle and said it was due to hatred and personal reasons. The shocking crime occurred in broad daylight, with CCTV footage showing the assailant, Fayaz, stabbing Neha multiple times before fleeingfrom the scene. Despite efforts to save her, Neha succumbed to the injuries inflicted during the attack. Fayaz, who was reportedly known to Neha and her family, was arrested shortly after the incident. According to police, the attack was motivated by Fayaz’s unreciprocated romantic feelings for Neha, which she had rejected.
The case, which has garnered nationwide attention, took a turn when Karnataka’s Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar commented that there was no need for a fast-track court to handle the case. This statement has sparked outrage from Neha’s family, particularly her father, who expressed deep disappointment and anger at the government’s stance. “I am surprised by the Home Minister’s statement, it is so sad. Through the government’s letter, it was said that the court would be fast-tracked. CM, Law Minister came and showed the government’s letter. My daughter Neha’s murder case was news across the country. The Home Minister’s statement about such a diabolical act is not reasonable,” Niranjan said, warning that the statement could tarnish the state government’s reputation.
Niranjan who is a corporator and a Congress party worker, voiced his concerns about the lack of protection for party members. He criticised Home Minister Parameshwar for his delayed response, stating, “Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar, who came to console 32 days after Neha’s murder, promised justice. Now he has hit back that there is no need for a fast-track court. What message are you going to give to the society through this? What will you gain from helping the accused? My demand is to act as the state government says. I am a corporator, and there is no protection for a Congress worker.”
Adding to his allegations, Niranjan claimed that there was an effort to protect the accused in Neha’s murder. “They promised to bring the accused out before killing my daughter. Therefore, they are helping the accused because they are afraid that someone will tell them that they did it. They are trying to grant bail to the murder accused,” he stated. He also expressed concerns over the investigation process, mentioning that the charge sheet for Neha’s case had not yet been received by him, raising suspicions that it might have been tampered with. “Apparently, there is a suspicion that the charge sheet has been tampered with. Party leaders think the workers should not grow, if they grow, we are facing a problem,” he lamented, adding that the political mishandling of the case might have had broader implications, including affecting election outcomes.
The political ramifications of this case have further escalated as the opposition BJP and the ruling Congress government engage in a heated exchange over the incident, with some raising the specter of ‘Love Jihad’ allegations. The incident has undoubtedly sparked a political storm in the state, bringing intense scrutiny to the actions and statements of government officials.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Niranjanaiah has vowed to take his concerns to the highest levels of the state government. “I will meet CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar,” he stated, signaling his determination to seek justice for his daughter and to uncover the truth behind what he believes to be a politically motivated murder.
The case remains under investigation, and the public awaits further developments in what has become a deeply contentious and high-profile case in Karnataka.
