Nearly two years after the brutal murder of 26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha in Shivamogga, fresh allegations of witness intimidation have reignited public attention. A key witness in the ongoing trial has reportedly been threatened, prompting the registration of a new case at the Tunganagar police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Harsha, a tailor and prominent Bajrang Dal activist from Seegehatti, was killed on February 20, 2022, near the Kamat petrol pump. His advocacy for a uniform dress code during Karnataka’s Hijab Row had made him a vocal and controversial figure. The murder sparked widespread unrest in Shivamogga, with violent protests resulting in vandalized vehicles and arson. Authorities imposed Section 144 and deployed heavy police forces to restore order.
The trial, currently in the evidence stage at the NIA court, has faced challenges with the intimidation of witnesses. A former petrol station employee, whose testimony is critical in tracing the accused’s movements, reported receiving threats. Unidentified individuals warned him against testifying, both through indirect messages to acquaintances and in-person visits to his former workplace. Despite the threats, the witness testified on December 12, leading the court to direct him to file a formal complaint.
The police are investigating the threats and ensuring the witness’s safety, as the intimidation attempts raise concerns about efforts to derail the judicial process. Harsha’s murder highlighted deep communal tensions in the region, and his case remains a focal point for justice and accountability.
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