Siddha says sorry to slain girl's father

Aims to stop BJP from stealing a march in time of polls

In a move to thwart the BJP from hijacking the Neha Hiremath's murder for electoral gains, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (right) on Tuesday spoke to her father, Niranjanayya Hiremath (left), Congress corporator from HubballiDharwad City Corporation, over the phone and said that the government is with the bereaved family.

Expressing his condolence and apology, Siddaramaiah said, “Very, very sorry.'' He further informed Hiremath about the government's decision to order a probe by the Crime Investigation Department and fast track the trial by setting up a special court.

Hiremath expressed his satisfaction over the government's decision and requested the CM to get them justice for murder of his daughter. Siddaramaiah responded by saying that he is with the family and the government will be with them.

Law Minister HK Patil visited Hiremath's home in Hubballi and connected the latter with the CM over the phone.

Neha, a 23-year-old firstyear MCA student was stabbed to death in her college campus in Hubballi by her former BCA classmate and friend Fayaz Khondunaik on April 18.

The BJP has termed the murder as a case of ‘love jihad’ and staged protests across the state on Monday. BJP national president also visited Neha's home and expressed solidarity with the aggrieved family.

The ruling Congress was critical of the BJP and accused it of politicising a murder for electoral gains.

In a related development, Neha's mother, Geetha Hiremath, lodged a complaint with the Hubballi cyber police to prevent posting of photos of Neha with the accused Fayz Khondunaik. She also urged the police to block an instagram account where photos of Neha and the accused in close proximity are posted with a caption “justice for Neha and Fayz love”.

Meanwhile, in Belagavi, the home district of the accused Khondunaik, Congress leaders staged a protest demanding capital punishment for him.