Haveri, Mar 14 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday condemned the brutal murder of Swati Byadagi, a young woman from Masuru village in Rattihalli taluk, Haveri district.
Alleging that an organised 'Love Jihad' network is actively operating in the state, he said the increasing frequency of such crimes stems from the emboldened nature of perpetrators, who no longer fear the law.
Taking to X, Bommai lashed out at the Congress-led state government, claiming that ever since it came to power, the safety and security of women in Karnataka have been severely compromised. He expressed concern over the rising instances where young women are allegedly deceived in the name of love and later subjected to violence, including murder.
"The situation is deeply disturbing. The state has witnessed an alarming rise in cases where innocent girls are trapped, manipulated, and then brutally killed. It is shocking that despite repeated warnings, such incidents continue unabated due to a weak response from the authorities," he said.
The BJP leader pointed out that before the state could even recover from the shock of Neha Hiremath’s brutal murder in Hubballi, another gruesome crime has surfaced with Swati's killing in Haveri district. He claimed that preliminary investigations suggest this case, too, could be linked to 'Love Jihad', reiterating his allegation that the network has been operating unchecked.
Bommai further stated that even a week after the incident, there appear to be attempts to shield the key accused, identified as Nayaz. According to reports, Nayaz allegedly pretended to be in love with Swati, but later distanced himself from her due to religious differences and decided to marry another woman from his own faith. When Swati confronted him, he allegedly murdered her in cold blood.
He criticised the administration, alleging that lax law enforcement has emboldened such crimes. "The failure to instill fear among criminals has led to a situation where they act without hesitation. Only strict and exemplary punishment for the guilty can serve as a deterrent," he said.
Calling for urgent action, Bommai urged the police to conduct an impartial and rigorous investigation, free from political influence or pressure, and ensure that not only the perpetrators but also those shielding them are brought to justice.
He warned that in many cases, authorities fail to treat such incidents with the seriousness they deserve, allowing them to fade from public memory without delivering justice to the victims.
Further, he demanded that the Karnataka government provide appropriate compensation to Swati's family and take immediate steps to ensure justice is served, assuring that he would raise the issue at all necessary forums. UNI BDN SSP