KOPPAL (Karnataka)– The murder of a 27-year-old man in Koppal has taken a communal turn, prompting local organizations to call for a district-wide bandh on August 8. The killing, initially seen as a crime of passion, has escalated tensions in the region.
The victim, identified as Gavisiddappa, was hacked to death in front of a mosque in Koppal city on August 3. Police have arrested the main suspect, Sadiq Hussain, along with three alleged accomplices.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, claimed the victim was a Hindu activist and accused the state government of engaging in “appeasement politics,” which he said was fueling such incidents. He announced that the BJP would stage a large-scale protest over what he called the government’s failure to handle the case effectively.
Koppal Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi said the investigation so far points to a crime of passion. According to police, Gavisiddappa was romantically involved with a young woman from the Muslim community — the same woman Sadiq Hussain reportedly loved. The accused told investigators that he believed Gavisiddappa had been harassing the woman, and, driven by jealousy and anger, conspired with others to kill him.
Sources revealed that the woman had previously been in a relationship with Sadiq but ended it before becoming involved with Gavisiddappa. She allegedly eloped with the victim, but after intervention by community elders, returned to her family.
Following the murder, senior BJP leader and former minister B. Sriramulu visited the victim’s family, expressing condolences and demanding justice. He alleged the killing involved “invisible hands” and called for the organisations behind the attack to be exposed. He also sought capital punishment for Sadiq, claiming the accused had links to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
Hindu groups and leaders from the Valmiki community have finalized plans for a protest on August 8. The victim’s family is also preparing to file a complaint against the young woman involved.
Police said Sadiq surrendered after the killing. The investigation remains ongoing. (Source: IANS)
