Nearly two years after the shocking murder of Harsha, a 26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist in Shivamogga, fresh allegations of witness intimidation have reignited public attention on the case. Based on the reports from the Organiser, a key witness in the trial has reportedly been threatened to refrain from testifying, leading to the registration of a new case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), at the Tunganagar police station.
The murder of Harsha and its aftermath
Harsha, a tailor and a well-known Bajrang Dal activist from Seegehatti, Shivamogga, was brutally murdered on the night of February 20, 2022. The attack occurred around 9:30 PM near the Kamat petrol pump. Harsha’s vocal advocacy for a uniform dress code in Karnataka’s educational institutions during the contentious Hijab Row had drawn significant attention, making him a prominent figure in the region.
After being attacked, Harsha was rushed to McGann District Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The incident sparked widespread unrest in Shivamogga, with violent protests erupting the following day. As tensions escalated, at least 20 vehicles were vandalized, and some were set ablaze in Seegehatti. To restore order, the district administration imposed Section 144, closed educational institutions and businesses, and deployed heavy police contingents.
The trial, currently being heard in the NIA court, has reached the evidence stage. One of the key witnesses is a former employee of a petrol station in Shivamogga, where the accused reportedly refueled their vehicle on the night of the murder. This witness’s testimony is critical in establishing the movements of the accused before the crime.
In a disturbing development, the witness has reported receiving indirect threats. According to a complaint filed at the Tunganagar police station, an unknown individual approached a friend of the witness, warning him against testifying in court. Days later, another individual on a scooter visited the petrol station, asking about the witness’s whereabouts. Upon learning that the witness no longer worked there, the individual reportedly left a chilling message: “Tell him not to go to court.”
Despite these threats, the witness courageously testified in the NIA court on December 12. Following this, the court directed the witness to file a formal complaint, which was promptly registered under Section 351(2) of the BNS.
Investigation and ongoing concerns
The police have launched an investigation to identify the individuals behind the threats. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of the witness, who has since left his job at the petrol station and taken up another profession.
The intimidation attempts have raised serious concerns about attempts to derail the judicial process. Authorities are determined to address these challenges and ensure a fair trial for justice to be served in Harsha’s murder case.
Harsha’s murder sent shockwaves across Karnataka, particularly in Shivamogga. Known for his saffron shawls and active participation in demonstrations, Harsha’s role during the Hijab Row controversy had cemented his position as a prominent voice for Hindu activism in the region. The violent protests and unrest following his death highlighted the deep societal and communal tensions in the area.
The testimony of the petrol station employee remains a critical piece of evidence in the case, as it directly links the accused to the crime. However, the recent intimidation incident underscores the ongoing challenges in pursuing justice for Harsha’s brutal murder. As the NIA continues to build its case, the focus remains on ensuring a transparent judicial process despite these obstacles.
