Bengaluru, Aug 13 (NationPress) A group of leaders from the Karnataka BJP and JD-S convened with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday, presenting a memorandum calling for a thorough investigation into the murder of Hindu activist Gavisiddappa Nayak from Koppal district by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The delegation was spearheaded by State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, and JD-S floor leader and MLA C.B. Suresh Babu.

Addressing the press, former Minister B. Sriramulu expressed that the citizens of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Ballari, and Koppal districts are known for their secular values and love for everyone.

He criticized the current state government, stating that since the Congress-led administration took power, both the underprivileged and pro-Hindu activists have been living in an environment devoid of security.

“Given this murder, the Chief Minister, who oversees the Intelligence Department, should resign,” he insisted.

Sriramulu accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of being responsible for the Intelligence department's failures, questioning whether the Congress-led government is merely complacent.

He asserted that Siddaramaiah seems more focused on retaining his position rather than addressing serious issues.

Furthermore, Sriramulu criticized Home Minister G. Parameshwara for his ambiguous responses following the murder, such as, “I don’t know, I have no information, this should not have occurred.”

He challenged the Home Minister’s role and accused the government of inciting animosity in the region.

“Are they planning to eliminate all Hindu activists in Karnataka?” he questioned.

The Karnataka BJP raised the murder case of the Koppal Hindu activist in the Assembly on Wednesday, demanding that the investigation be transferred to the NIA.

Additionally, the party urged the state government to grant Rs 50 lakh in compensation to the family of the deceased.

In a statement during the Zero Hour, State BJP President Vijayendra remarked, “In Koppal, on August 3, a heinous murder occurred. Gavisiddappa Nayaka, a Hindu activist from the Valmiki community, was brutally hacked to death. The motive stemmed from his relationship with a girl of another religion. At approximately 7:30 p.m., an individual named Syed attacked him with a machete, resulting in his tragic death.”

“This incident has garnered national attention. Notably, the accused had previously posted on Instagram showcasing machetes and created reels before committing the murder. The police failed to take adequate preventive measures, leading to this horrific event,” he elaborated.

He noted that following the murder, the Valmiki Mahasabha and various Hindu organizations organized protests and a bandh, which compelled the police to take action and arrest two or three suspects.

The BJP leader added that Gavisiddappa came from a financially disadvantaged background, with his father Ningappa filing a complaint.

“We are making two significant demands. The deceased belonged to a poor family. His father is a daily wage laborer with three daughters. Supporting the family is impossible for him. I urge the government to provide compensation. Previously, in the case of Mohammad Fazil's murder in Mangaluru, the state government compensated his family with Rs 25 lakh,” he emphasized.

“Given the deceased's family's impoverished circumstances, the state government must allocate at least Rs 50 lakh in compensation. Furthermore, they should receive two acres of land, and one family member should be granted a government job,” he insisted.

“This is a grave matter. The murder was executed in a manner reminiscent of the killing of Mangaluru Hindu activist Suhas Shetty. I urge that this case be assigned to the NIA, as public trust in the police department is dwindling. The state must take this situation seriously and pass it on to the NIA,” asserted BJP leader Vijayendra.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan questioned the government’s integrity since the suspect was arrested three days post-incident.

“Is this government functioning or not?” he queried.

Koppal District In-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi stated that he had visited the deceased's home and that actions were being taken in the case.

BJP legislators voiced their discontent in the Assembly regarding the Congress-led government’s response to the incident.

Speaker U.T. Khader interjected, advising BJP leaders to raise the issue through alternative provisions if they sought a discussion in the House.

He noted that during Zero Hour, members could make statements but discussions were not permissible.

He also mentioned that the state government would address the matter later.