The vice principal of a college in Karnataka's Udupi, which was the first to ban the hijab on campus, has alleged the murder of a 25-year-old member of the right-wing Bajrang Dal in the state was linked to the controversy over the hijab ban.
Government Girls' PU College vice principal Yashpal Suvarna said the murder was linked to the controversy over the hijab ban on campus as Harsha, the Bajrang Dal member, had been participating in counter-protests with Hindu groups.
The Karnataka Home Minister and the police have denied any connection between the hijab row and the murder.
"This hijab controversy was created by some anti-social elements like SDPI, PFI, CFI," Mr Suvarna told NDTV, referring to Leftist groups.
On reports that some Facebook posts by Harsha had communal overtones, Mr Suvarna said, "Harsha was targeted for participating actively with Hindu groups."
Mr Suvarna, who is also the national general secretary of the ruling BJP's Other Backward Classes Morcha, said his college in Udupi is peaceful now and students are coming to class.
"We took only five minutes to clear the issue. It is peaceful now. Classes are running fine. Just for four students, we don't want 960 students to suffer," he said, referring to the petitioners in the hijab row.
The police have arrested six people after questioning about a dozen people on the murder, which spurred violence and arson in Karnataka's Shivamogga yesterday.
"All the accused have been identified and are being traced. We will arrest everyone involved, only then we can say what the motive was behind the murder," said senior police officer Pratap Reddy.
The government said the murder would be investigated from "all angles including the hijab row".
The hijab petitions are being heard in the Karnataka High Court.
10 Sixes, 50-Ball Century: Shreyas Iyer Sends Clear Message To BCCI Ahead Of Champions Trophy With Vijay Hazare Knock Bail For BJP's CT Ravi, Arrested For Alleged Derogatory Remark On Woman Minister A Fight Over Naming Baby, A Near-Divorce And Then A Court Intervention Parents On Mumbai Ferry Wanted To Toss Children In Sea. Rescuers Stopped Them Man Accidentally Drops iPhone In Temple Box. Why He Won't Get It Back "Who Was Driving?" JD Vance Slams 'Misleading' Headlines On Germany Attack Prince William, Kate Middleton To Launch Mental Health Programme 2 Arrested With Live Chameleon For 'Sorcery' Plan Against Zambia President Husband, In-Laws Thrash Woman, Insert Chilli Powder In Private Parts Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.