Harsha was an Indian activist and member of the Hindu nationalist organisation Bajrang Dal who was murdered in Shivamogga, Karnataka, on 20 February 2022.
Table of Contents
Wiki/Biography
Harsha was born on 21 May (age 23 years ; at the time of death), and he hails from Shimoga (Shivamogga), Karnataka. His zodiac sign is Gemini. Apart from being an activist, Harsha was a tailor and held the position of ‘Prakanda Sahakaryadarshi’ (coordinator) in the Shivamogga district.
Family
Harsha’s father works as a tailor. His mother’s name is Smt. Padma. Harsha was the only son in the family.
Narayana Gowda (Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports of Karnataka) visiting the family of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha
Bajrang Dal activist Harsha’s mother (left) and sister (right)
Religion/Religious Views
Born into a Hindu family, Harsha was an ardent follower of the Hindu deity Ram. In an interview after his murder, her sister said,
My brother was a Hindu…he died chanting Jai Shri Ram”.
Death
Amid the 2022 Karnataka hijab row, Harsha was stabbed to death by unidentified people in Bharathi Nagar, Shivamogga district, Karnataka on 20 February 2022. Although Harsha was admitted to the Meggan hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. In January 2022, a dispute had erupted in Karnataka after some Muslim students, who demanded to be allowed to wear the Hijab in classrooms in a junior college, were denied entry to classes.
Karnataka minister for rural development and Panchayati Raj, KS Eshwarappa, alleged the involvement of Muslims in the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist, Harsha. Thereafter, Eshwarappa was criticised for his right-wing political views against Muslims. While addressing the media the Karnataka Congress chief, DK Shivakumar, said,
He has brought shame to the country and the national flag… It (Harsha’s killing) has nothing to do with the hijab issue. It was the result of personal enmity between two groups… the police must thoroughly investigate the incident.”
On 22 February 2022, 12 people were taken into custody by the police for the murder of Harsha in the Shivamogga. Three of them, who were found to be guilty, were arrested, which included Khasif (aged 30) and Syed Nadim (20). The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) accused the Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) of carrying out Harsha’s murder with an ulterior motive to spread terror throughout the state of Karnataka.
Facts/Trivia
- He referred to himself as Harsha Hindu on his Facebook account.
- In a media coverage, Harsha’s mother said that her son had made a sacrifice for the country. Mourning her son, she recalled,
I told him to get married and he would always say he wants to serve this nation and wants to die for this country.” - He has a tattoo inked on the right side of his neck, which reads “Mental.”
An image of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha showcasing his ‘Mental’ tattoo
- While talking to the media, Harsha’s relative Praveen, revealed that Harsha’s Hindutva right-wing political views led him to death. He said,
My brother was an active member of the sangathan [group]. He only used to think about Hindus and that is what killed him. Last night we were informed that he has been admitted to a hospital. We want strict to be taken against the culprits.”
