Amid accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling Congress and the opposition, people of various faiths, including Muslims, joined together in Munavalli, Saundatti taluk, Belgaum district, to call for a three-day bandh and demand capital punishment for the accused Fayaz Khondunayak.
Hundreds of residents, traders, and workers affiliated with both the BJP and the Congress gathered to protest in front of the historic Panchalingeshwara Temple. They denounced the atrocious deed carried out by Fayaz, a resident of Munavalli town, and demanded capital punishment for him.
Protesters obstructed the Yeragatti-Dharwad state highway, while traders voluntarily closed their businesses. Street vendors also participated in the demonstration.
Similar demonstrations took place in Belgaum, Saundatti, Bailhongal, Ramdurg, and Hubballi-Dharwad. BJP Rajya Sabha member Eranna Kadadi expressed that the perpetrator of Neha Hiremath’s murder should face an encounter. This measure would serve as a deterrent against future heinous crimes.
ABVP-affiliated students created a human chain at Rani Chennamma Circle in Belgaum, advocating for the death penalty for the accused. In Hubballi, numerous students staged a two-hour sit-in outside BVB Engineering College, denouncing the state government. The demonstration disrupted traffic on the bustling Hubballi-Dharwad road. Additionally, members of the Dalit Vimochana Samiti held a protest in Hubballi city.
