Fayaz Khondunaik allegedly stabbed 23-year-old Neha Hiremath seven times after she rejected his advances, leading to massive protests across Karnataka due to the incident being seen as an unsuccessful attempt at 'love jihad'. Neha Hiremath, the daughter of a Congress corporator, was killed in the attack.
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The BJP and the girl's father have claimed that this case highlights a breakdown of law and order in the state, becoming a pain point for the Congress. The state government has stated that the incident is an isolated one and does not indicate the presence of 'love jihad' within the state.
Niranjan Hiremath, Neha's father and a Congress corporator, expressed that he has witnessed several similar incidents and hopes that such occurrences do not happen to anyone else.
"He mentioned that these occurrences are increasing in their cruelty as we witness them in different places. Youngsters are straying off the right path. Why they end up in such mental states? We have experienced the loss of our daughter. We hope this fate doesn't befall anyone else. That's our earnest wish. We've witnessed others enduring similar pain. I perceive that the issue of Love Jihad is spreading," he commented.
"The gang had plotted for a long time. They aimed to either ensnare her or harm her. They had been issuing threats in that context. However, the girl disregarded their intimidations," Mr. Hiremath elaborated.
The lead accused has been arrested by the police, who are currently investigating the case.
As protests continue throughout the state demanding severe punishment for Fayaz, his mother appealed for forgiveness, acknowledging her son's wrongdoing.
Apology asked from people of Karnataka
"On behalf of my son, I ask for forgiveness from all the people of Karnataka. I also seek forgiveness from the girl's parents. She is like a daughter to me as well. I don't make distinctions her and understand their grief. I share the same sorrow. What my son did was unacceptable. Regardless of who is involved, the actions were wrong," stated Mumtaz, Fayaz's mother.
Neha Hiremath, the daughter of Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath, was pursuing her first year of Master of Computer Applications at BV Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology in Hubballi. Authorities noted that she had known Fayaz, her attacker—who was also a former student at the college—for some time.
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