Karnataka Congress Worker Killed In Clash Over Banner, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Assures Strict Action

A Congress worker was killed during a violent clash between two groups in Chikkamagaluru district on Friday night. The victim has been identified as Ganesh Gowda, 38, a gram panchayat member from Sakharayapatna

in Kadur taluk.

Following his demise, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed shock and grief. In a post on X, he wrote: “The murder of Congress worker Ganesha Gowda, who was a gram panchayat member in Sakharayapattana of Kadur taluk in Chikkamagaluru district, is highly condemnable. Our government will take strict action against the perpetrators. I pray to God that the soul of the deceased Ganesha Gowda attains peace and that his family members are granted the strength to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti.”

ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಕಡೂರು ತಾಲೂಕಿನ ಸಖರಾಯಪಟ್ಟಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಗ್ರಾಮ ಪಂಚಾಯಿತಿ ಸದಸ್ಯನಾಗಿದ್ದ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತ ಗಣೇಶ್‌ ಗೌಡನನ್ನು ಹತ್ಯೆ ಮಾಡಿರುವುದು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಖಂಡನೀಯ. ಹಂತಕರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ನಮ್ಮ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಕಠಿಣ ಕ್ರಮಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಲಿದೆ.

ಮೃತ ಗಣೇಶ್‌ ಗೌಡನ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಕುಟುಂಬಸ್ಥರಿಗೆ ನೋವು ಭರಿಸುವ ಶಕ್ತಿ ನೀಡಲೆಂದು… pic.twitter.com/NrHQtYmWZT

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) December 6, 2025

Gowda was killed after a confrontation began around 9:30 PM near a mutt, where a dispute over a banner escalated into a fight. Several people from both sides suffered serious head injuries and were rushed to the Chikkamagaluru district hospital for treatment.

According to the police, the same groups had been involved in an earlier scuffle near a bar in the town, barely half an hour before the fatal attack.

A case has been registered at the Sakharayapatna police station, and officers are working to identify and trace those involved. Police said efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects as soon as possible.

Home Minister G Parameshwara, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, said the motive behind the attack would be known only after a full investigation. “Who all were involved and who is behind the incident will be known after the investigation,” he said, adding that a detailed report will be submitted to the government.

Reacting to the incident, district in-charge minister KJ George called the killing “sad” and “deeply condemnable”.

He said disputes should never result in violence and assured that strict action would be taken. George added that he had asked officials to take preventive steps so that such incidents do not recur.