Shivamogga: The killing of a 15-year-old SSLC Hindu student in Shivamogga district has triggered widespread outrage and prompted authorities to place the region on high alert. The incident occurred in Uragadur village under the jurisdiction of Tunganagar Police Station, sending shockwaves across the district and raising concerns over law and order.
The deceased, Sanket (15), was a Class 10 student preparing for his SSLC examinations. On Monday evening, he had attended a special coaching class at his school. Around 8 pm, while returning home with his friend Girish, a quarrel reportedly broke out between Girish and a group of minors who were Islamists in the locality.
According to preliminary police investigations, the altercation escalated quickly. Sanket is said to have stepped in to pacify the situation and protect his friend. During the scuffle, he was allegedly punched forcefully in the chest. He collapsed at the spot moments later. Local residents rushed to help and immediately shifted him to McGann Hospital. However, doctors declared him brought dead.
ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗದ ಸೂಳೆಬೈಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಗಾಂಜಾ ನಶೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಮತಾಂಧ ಪುಂಡರು SSLC ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಸಂಕೇತ್ ನನ್ನು ಅಮಾನುಷವಾಗಿ ಹಲ್ಲೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಕೊಲೆ ಮಾಡಿರುವ ಘಟನೆ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ತುಷ್ಟೀಕರಣ "ಬ್ರದರ್ಸ್" ಗಳಿಗೆ ಯಾವ ಮಟ್ಟದ ಸದರ ಕೊಟ್ಟಿದೆ ಎನ್ನುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ನಿದರ್ಶನವಾಗಿದೆ.
'ಸರ್ವ ಜನಾಂಗದ ಶಾಂತಿಯ ತೋಟ'ದ ಕನಸು ಕಂಡಿದ್ದ… pic.twitter.com/Z6PGhxUmtC
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) February 24, 2026
The tragic death of the teenager, described by neighbours as soft-spoken and academically focused, has left his family devastated. Sanketh was the only son of his parents, and scenes of grief were witnessed both at his residence and at the hospital mortuary. Relatives and community members gathered in large numbers, demanding justice.
Police sources revealed that the accused minors were known to Sanket and had previously studied with him in the same school before dropping out prior to completing SSLC. Investigators said tensions had reportedly been simmering for the past two days following a dispute during a cricket game in the neighbourhood. On Monday evening, the accused allegedly confronted Girish once again, leading to the fatal clash.
Shivamogga Superintendent of Police Nikhil confirmed that seven Islamist minors have been detained in connection with the case. “The incident appears to have originated from a quarrel during a cricket game. Sanket intervened to stop the fight and was assaulted. We are examining all angles, including whether the accused were under the influence of ganja at the time,” he said. The detained juveniles will undergo medical tests to determine possible substance use, and further legal proceedings will follow under the Juvenile Justice Act.
ಇನ್ನೆಷ್ಟು ಹಿಂದೂಗಳ ರಕ್ತ ಹರಿಸಿದರೆ ತಣಿಯಲಿದೆ @INCKarnataka ದ ಓಲೈಕೆ ರಾಜಕೀಯದ ದಾಹ?
ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗದ ಸೂಳೇಬೈಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಗಾಂಜಾ ಮತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಅನ್ಯಕೋಮಿ ಮತಾಂಧರಿಂದ ಶಾಲಾ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಸಾಕೇತ್ನ ಬರ್ಬರ ಹತ್ಯೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. "ಸರ್ಕಾರ ನಮ್ಮ ಬೆನ್ನಿಗಿದೆ" ಎಂಬ ಉದ್ಧಟತನವೇ ಮತಾಂಧರ ಈ ಕೃತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ನೇರ ಪ್ರೇರಣೆ.
ಹರ್ಷನ ಹತ್ಯೆಯ ಕರಾಳ… pic.twitter.com/j8Ypn80dGu
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) February 24, 2026
In the wake of the incident, authorities have tightened security across sensitive areas of Shivamogga. Additional police forces have been deployed, night patrols intensified and preventive measures taken to avoid any communal flare-up. Officials have also announced plans to open a new police outpost in Uragadur to strengthen surveillance and ensure quicker response to disturbances.
Political leaders across parties reacted strongly. BJP leader C. T. Ravi demanded a comprehensive probe, alleging that similar incidents in other parts of the state indicate a worrying trend. He called upon the government to investigate whether there was any organised attempt to incite communal tension.
Shivamogga City MLA Channabasappa and former Deputy Chief Minister K. S. Eshwarappa visited the bereaved family and offered condolences. They urged authorities to ensure strict action against those responsible.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced compensation of Rs 15 lakh for Sanketh’s family, Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Rs 5 lakh from the Education Department. District officials confirmed that the compensation process has been initiated.
Authorities have appealed to the public to maintain calm and avoid spreading rumours on social media. Officials reiterated that stringent action will be taken against the accused and that maintaining communal harmony remains the administration’s top priority.
