Shivamogga witnessed stone-pelting and burning of vehicles following the murder of a pro-Hindutva activist on Sunday (February 20) night.

Santhosh, 26, a resident of Seegehatti in Shivamogga, was attacked by a group of unknown persons at Bharati Colony around 10 p.m. He was taken to Mc Gann Hospital where he succumbed to injuries. He is said to be associated with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), one of the organisations comprising the ‘Sangh parivar’ of which the ruling BJP is a part.

As news of the murder spread, incidents of stone-pelting and vehicles being set on fire were reported in some parts of Shivamogga. Police have been deployed in sensitive areas. Senior police officers are monitoring the situation.

Holiday for schools and colleges

Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Selvamani R. declared a holiday for schools and colleges on February 21 in the wake of the murder and the incidents that followed.

“The situation is tense. The administration is trying to prevent it from getting worse. A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges,” the DC told Rashtra News on February 21.