Karnataka: Uttara Kannada district tense after death of youth, BJP to lead protest march

As the news of Mesta's death spread, there was a massive deployment of police to ensure that violence did not flare up.

IndiaToday.in  | Edited by Deepali Singh
New Delhi, December 12, 2017 | UPDATED 14:23 IST
Picture for representationPicture for representation

Highlights

  • 1
    Paresh's body was found near a lake after the Honnavar violence.
  • 2
    He was castrated, mutilated and charred to death.
  • 3
    A procession with the body of Mesta was carried out in Honnavar town.

A mysterious death of 21-year-old Paresh Mesta, who was found near the Shetty Lake on Friday, two days after he went missing, has taken a political turn in Karnataka.

As soon as the news of Mesta's death broke out, the political row escalated in the state where elections will be held next year, with BJP leading a protest march today in Bengaluru.

On Friday, serious tension engulfed Honnavar town after the alleged news of Mesta's body being castrated, burnt with his head was mutilated with a sword started making rounds on social media. The 21-year-old had been missing after Wednesday's clashes that took place in a town in Uttara Kannada district.

The body was found by a passer-by near the Shetty Lake behind Shani temple who later informed the police.

As the news of Mesta's death spread, there was a massive deployment of police to ensure that violence did not flare up. But, the situation turned worse and has taken a communal turn now.

Even though the current situation is tense, it's still slightly peaceful and calm. Though there is a heavy police presence with personnel from different districts being deployed in Honnavar, shops and schools are functioning normally.

"A desperate @BJP4Karnataka stoops so low as to use the unfortunate death of a youth Paresh Mesta in Honnavar for political gains. BJP leaders are heeding the advice of @AmitShah to create trouble & invite police action. People are getting hurt by their irresponsible acts," CM Siddaramaiah tweeted.

Simultaneously, home minister Reddy met the CM over the incident and informed him of the prevailing situation.

This morning, BJP leaders staged Raj Bhavan Chalo protest. They submitted a memorandum to Governor Vala. They also demanded an NIA probe into the murder of BJP/RSS workers.

While this was happening, 2 groups clashed with each other in Sirsi. The situation turned tense after a call for bandh was given by pro-hindu organizations.

It all started after a fight between a motorbike and an auto rickshaw driver started and later led to mob violence in Honnavar. It is alleged that Mesta was just trying to escape the violence but couldn't.

(With inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)