Bengaluru
The Karnataka BJP on Wednesday raised the murder of Hindu activist Gavisiddappa Nayaka in Koppal during the Legislative Assembly’s Zero Hour, demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe and Rs 50 lakh compensation for the deceased’s family.
BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said Nayaka, a member of the Valmiki community, was brutally hacked to death on August 3 by one Syed over a relationship with a girl from another religion. He added that the accused had previously posted Instagram reels featuring machetes, warning signs the police failed to act upon.
Following the murder, Valmiki Mahasabha and other Hindu organisations staged protests and called a bandh, prompting the police to arrest two to three suspects. Vijayendra highlighted that Nayaka’s father, Ningappa, is a daily wage labourer struggling to support three daughters, and urged the government to provide at least Rs 50 lakh in compensation, two acres of land, and a government job to a family member.
He compared the incident to the killing of Mangaluru activist Suhas Shetty and stressed that state police could not be trusted to handle the case, urging an NIA takeover.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan criticised the delay in arrests, questioning the government’s efficiency. Koppal District In-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi confirmed that action had been initiated and that he had visited the family.
BJP legislators continued to criticise the Congress-led government over the handling of the case, prompting Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader to intervene, noting that Zero Hour allows statements but not debates. He assured that the government would respond to the issue at a later time.
The incident has reignited concerns over law enforcement efficacy and minority-majority tensions in the state, with political leaders calling for swift justice and stronger preventive measures.
