Belagavi/Hubballi: Following the tragic murder of Acharya Kamakumara Nandi Maharaj Swamiji, Home Minister G Parameshwara visited the Ashram in Hirekodi, Chikkodi taluk of Belagavi district. He also met Sri Gunadharanandi Maharaj Swamiji of Varoor in Hubballi today.
Sri Kamakumara Nandi Maharaj, the head of Nandi Parvat Ashram Trust in Hirekodi of Chikkodi was brutally murdered and his dismembered body was placed in a dry borewell located in Katakbavi, Raibagh taluk.
The Home Minister's visit was aimed at instilling confidence and a sense of security among the Jain Munis and the members of the community who were deeply shocked by the heinous incident. Parameshwara visited the Ashram in Hirekodi and spoke to the religious heads, trust members, and leaders of the Jain community.
“It is a tragic incident. We will have a clear picture once the probe is completed. However, we are witnessing various statements which I am shocked to hear. Such statements should not be given due to political reasons. The Police department should be allowed to work,” Parameshwar said during the meeting indirectly expressing unhappiness over the statement by some of the BJP leaders.
“The Police officials have shown their ability by arresting the accused in four hours which we need to appreciate. Seers and community leaders have expressed their concern and said that such incidents should not recur in any community. Already we are providing protections to several religious heads through escorts, gunman, and security cover,” he said.
"Jain Munis on Padayatra (pilgrimage walk) are also provided police protection. However, at times, it becomes challenging when we are unaware of their travel plans. It would be better if the organization responsible for their travel notified the police, enabling us to provide adequate protection. Additionally, there is a demand to provide shelter to these Munis at government schools. In the coming days, we will take necessary steps to provide them with safe shelters while traveling," he assured.
"I want to assure the Jain community that we stand with you, and there is no need to fear. We will ensure that such incidents do not recur," Parameshara reassured.
The Home Minister also visited Navagraha Theertha Jain Ashram in Varuru, Hubballi taluk, on Monday morning and met Sri Gunadharanandi Maharaj Swamiji of Varur in Hubballi, who had been fasting, demanding protection for Jain Munis.
He persuaded the seer to end his fast and assured that those responsible for the murder of Kamakumara Swamiji would be thoroughly investigated and punished. Parameshwara also promised to provide security to the Jain Munis.
Sri Guanadharanandi Maharaj declared an end to his fast after receiving assurances from the Home Minister.
"Leaders of all political parties have condemned this incident, and we are grateful for their support. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara have personally reached out to me. I will withdraw my fast. I have faith in the Home Minister, who took the time to visit us amidst the session," the seer said.
Meanwhile, defining the killing of Acharya Kamakumara Nandi Maharaj as cold blooded murder, former CM Basavaraj Bommai has demanded the case be handed over to the CBI.
He was speaking during the zero hour in the assembly.
“It is a cold blooded murder. How long could the accused have planned before killing the seer through electric shock? The sage has nothing to do with financial dealings. The police are not saying why the sages were killed. There can't be only two of them in the incident,” he said.
