The Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has unveiled chilling details in the Neha Hiremath murder case of Hubballi, submitting a comprehensive chargesheet to the court. According to CID reports, the accused, Fayaz Khondunaik, allegedly murdered Neha Hiremath after she refused to marry him, dispelling earlier claims of ‘love jihad’ made by political figures.
Neha Hiremath, a 23-year-old first-year MCA student and daughter of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) corporator Niranjan Hiremath, tragically lost her life on April 18.
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The incident, which occurred on the premises of the KLE Technological University, initially sparked political controversy with accusations of ‘love jihad’. However, the CID’s investigation has explicitly ruled out any such motive.
Details from the chargesheet
The chargesheet, compiled by M H Paika, CID Deputy Superintendent of Police, spans 483 pages and includes crucial evidence such as witness testimonies, CCTV footage, post-mortem reports, and forensic analysis. It outlines the sequence of events leading to Neha’s untimely death.
Fayaz Khondunaik and Neha Hiremath were former classmates at PC Jabin Science College, where they studied Bachelor of Computer Science (BCA). Their relationship began in 2022 but deteriorated in March 2024 due to frequent disagreements. Neha started avoiding Khondunaik, leading to a confrontation on April 18.
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On that fateful day, armed with a knife and a monkey cap, Fayaz Khondunaik waited outside Neha’s college premises. Upon encountering her, he accused her of betraying his trust and stabbed her, reportedly stating, “How can you cheat me after loving me for so many days? I won’t leave you.”
Legal proceedings
Fayaz Khondunaik has been charged under IPC sections 302 (murder), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 506 (criminal intimidation). The case, which has gripped public attention, underscores the tragic consequences of relationship conflicts turning fatal.
As the legal process unfolds, the chargesheet sheds light on the meticulous investigation by the CID, aiming to bring justice to Neha Hiremath and closure to her grieving family. The case highlights the importance of thorough scrutiny in criminal investigations, especially in cases involving sensitive issues like interpersonal relationships and violence.
