New Delhi (Agency): In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the spiritual and religious community, a Digambar Jain monk was brutally murdered in Karnataka. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly condemned the heinous act and pointed fingers at the Congress government in the state, blaming their “anti-Hindu policies” for the tragedy.
The victim, Acharya Sri Kamakumara Nandi Maharaj, was murdered and dismembered, with his body parts dumped in a defunct borewell in the village of Hirekodi in Chikkodi Taluk, Karnataka. The police have arrested two individuals, Narayana Basappa Madi and Hassan Dalayath, in connection with the case, revealing that the monk was killed over a money-related matter.
VHP General Secretary Milind Parande expressed outrage over the “gruesome murder” and emphasized that it has deeply shocked the spiritual and religious fraternity. Parande went on to allege that the abduction and mutilation of the revered Jain Acharya appeared to be a consequence of the Congress-led government’s anti-Hindu policies in the state. He claimed that the audacity of “anti-religion” and “anti-national” forces has grown due to the government’s discussions on repealing laws related to cow slaughter and conversion.
The VHP demanded capital punishment for those responsible for the Jain monk’s murder and called for stringent measures against such individuals in the state. Parande further accused the government of failing to ensure the safety of sadhus and the Bharatiya society, asserting that only Islamic Jihadis and extremists enjoy freedom in the state.
Describing the Jain monk as an “icon of humanism,” the VHP leader highlighted his years of service to society while residing at Anand Parvat. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka also condemned the murder and urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation. BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel appealed to the government to provide security to monks and seers in the state, while BJP spokesperson and MLC N Ravi Kumar stressed the need for a comprehensive probe, suggesting the possible involvement of additional individuals in the crime.
The last rites of the Jain muni were conducted according to Jain traditions on Sunday in the village of Hirekodi. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for enhanced security and measures to protect religious figures and maintain communal harmony.
