In the aftermath of the tragic murder of MCA student Neha Hiremath within the confines of her university campus in Hubballi, Karnataka, the state finds itself embroiled in a tumultuous mix of grief, outrage, and calls for justice. Protests have erupted across various cities in Karnataka, with demands for capital punishment for the accused echoing loud and clear. Amidst this outcry, a poignant twist emerged as the parents of the accused offered their apologies to both the people of Karnataka and the grieving family of the deceased, advocating for strict punishment for their son’s heinous actions.
In Hubballi, the epicenter of this tragedy, students, led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat (ABVP), took to the streets in front of KLE Technological University, where the gruesome incident occurred. Their fervent cries for justice were mirrored by Dalit organizations and other concerned citizens who joined the chorus, seeking stringent repercussions for the perpetrator, Fayaz. The gravity of the situation prompted police to impose restrictions on vehicular movement near the university, redirecting traffic to alternative routes to ensure public safety.
G Parameshwar, HM of Karnataka on Neha:
“Neha and Fayaz where in love with each other. She rejected him later, he stabbed her fearing she might get married to someone else. So it’s not love jihad”.
Congress certificate 👏🏻pic.twitter.com/PNIhJPtMtM
— Shilpa (@shilpa_cn) April 19, 2024
The reverberations of this tragedy extended beyond Hubballi, reaching the district of Belagavi, where Munavalli, the hometown of the accused, witnessed a voluntary shutdown in protest. Residents, including members of the Muslim community, stood in solidarity with calls for justice, denouncing the crime as a stain on the community’s honor. Leaders and representatives from various religious and caste groups united in their demand for swift and severe punishment, underscoring the collective anguish and outrage that transcended social divides.
In a remarkable display of humility and remorse, the parents of the accused stepped forward to offer their heartfelt apologies. Fayaz’s mother, Mamtaz, expressed profound shock and sorrow over the events that led to Neha’s untimely demise, emphasizing the need for her son to face the full consequences of his actions. She revealed the complex dynamics of the relationship between her son and Neha, acknowledging their mutual affection but condemning Fayaz’s egregious transgression.
Neha Hiremath’s murder
Similarly, Fayaz’s father, Babasaheb Subani, echoed these sentiments, expressing deep remorse for his son’s actions and urging for stringent punishment to uphold justice and deter future atrocities. Their contrition stands as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching repercussions of this tragedy, transcending individual culpability to underscore the collective responsibility of society in fostering a culture of empathy and accountability.
Amidst the clamor for justice, voices of reason caution against politicizing the tragedy, emphasizing the need for a unified pursuit of justice devoid of partisan agendas. As the wheels of justice begin to turn, guided by the principles of fairness and accountability, the memory of Neha Hiremath serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring quest for justice in the face of adversity.
