Neha, the daughter of a Karnataka Congress corporator, tragically fell victim to a brutal stabbing by her former classmate within the premises of a college in Hubballi. Corporator Niranjan Hiremath clarified that his daughter and the perpetrator were merely friends, not romantic partners, despite the assailant's advances. He revealed that Neha had firmly rejected the perpetrator's proposals and had even warned him of potential consequences if he persisted.
The assailant, identified as Fayaz, launched a vicious attack on Neha, a 23-year-old Masters of Computer Applications (MCA) student, inside the BVB College campus. CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment when Fayaz repeatedly stabbed Neha before fleeing the scene. Tragically, Neha succumbed to her injuries, prompting Fayaz's arrest by the police.
In a statement to a local TV channel, Hiremath described his daughter as a courageous and determined individual solely focused on her education. He emphasized that Neha had maintained a platonic friendship with Fayaz during their college days and had consistently rebuffed his romantic overtures. Despite her clear rejections, Fayaz persisted in his advances, leading Neha to warn him about potential legal action.
Hiremath previously disclosed that Fayaz had proposed to Neha on multiple occasions, each time met with rejection. Neha's refusal, based on differences in caste and her disinterest in a relationship with Fayaz, allegedly triggered his violent outburst, resulting in her tragic death.
The incident sparked a political controversy in Karnataka, with the BJP and Congress engaging in a heated debate over the alleged involvement of 'love jihad.' Union Minister Pralhad Joshi suggested a 'love jihad' angle, insinuating that Neha's murder was a consequence of her refusal to comply with the perpetrator's advances. However, the Karnataka government, led by State Home Minister G Parameshwara, dismissed these claims, asserting that Neha and Fayaz had been in a relationship that had soured over time.
In response to Neha's murder, student groups, including ABVP, staged protests demanding justice for the victim and the harshest punishment for the perpetrator. Pro-Hindu groups and BJP supporters also joined the demonstrations, underscoring the widespread outrage and condemnation surrounding the tragic incident.
