In a significant development, a special court in Bengaluru has framed charges of terrorism, murder, and conspiracy against 10 individuals from Karnataka’s Shivamogga region concerning the February 20, 2022, murder of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha Nagaraj, also known as Harsha Hindu, in the Doddapete area of Shivamogga city.
Legal Proceedings: The special court for terrorism cases formally framed charges against Reehan Sharif, 23, and nine others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, along with sections 302 and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), based on a chargesheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Despite the charges, all the accused have pleaded not guilty and opted for trial by the court.
Incident Details: Harsha Nagaraj was brutally murdered on the night of February 20 within the Doddapete police station limits of Shivamogga while dining at a restaurant with friends. The assailants, lying in wait in a car and an auto-rickshaw, attacked him with swords when he momentarily became separated from his companions.
Investigative Measures: Initially, the local police arrested several individuals with prior criminal records, including Reehan Sharif alias Kasi, Mohammed Kashif, Asif alias Asifullah Khan alias Chiku, and Abdul Afwan alias Derar. Subsequently, the case was transferred to the NIA for further investigation, leading to additional suspects being identified and charged.
Charges and Allegations: Besides terrorism-related charges, the accused individuals have also been charged with inciting communal disharmony and ill-will among Hindu and Muslim communities, as per Sec.153A of IPC. Harsha Nagaraj’s own criminal history, involving cases of assault and inflammatory social media posts, has been noted in the proceedings.
Political and Social Context: The murder, occurring during the tenure of the BJP government in Karnataka, garnered significant attention from right-wing groups and political figures, prompting calls for an NIA probe. The incident, coupled with Nagaraj’s controversial past and involvement in local disputes, has heightened tensions within the community.
The legal proceedings surrounding Harsha Nagaraj’s murder continue to unfold, shedding light on broader issues of communal violence and extremism in the region.
