Karnataka murder: Accused’s father apologises to victim’s family, demands strict punishment for son

Following the recent killing of NehaHiremath in the south Indian state of Karnataka, the accused's father on Saturday (Apr 20) demanded maximum punishment for his son Fayaz Khondunaik and apologised to the victim's family.

Neha, daughter of Congress Councillor from Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, was killed on campus by Fayaz, who used to be her classmate, earlier this month in broad day light.

As the southwest Indian state of Karnataka is set to go to polls in the second and third phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26 and May 7, thekilling of the Congress corporator's daughter has become a major flashpoint between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP in the state.

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Neha was a first-year Master of Computer Applications (MCA) student at KLE Technological University in Hubballi.

Fayaz's father, Baba Saheb Subani, a school teacher by profession said he was informed about the incident on Thursday evening and was left aghast by his 23-year-old son's act.

"He (Fayaz) should be punished in a way that no one dares to do such a thing in future. With folded hands, I apologise to Neha's family members. She was like my daughter," he told reporters.

Subani further said that he had separated from his wife almost six years ago and since then Fayaz has been living with his mother.

He said that he spoke to his son about three months ago and that Fayaz only called him when he needed money.

Subani then recalled that eight months ago, Neha's family spoke to him and alleged that his son was troubling their daughter.

Admitting that his son made a mistake, he said Fayaz and Neha were in a relationship and loved each other.

"Fayaz told me he wanted to marry her but I refused it with folded hands," he added.

He then condemned his son's act and demanded strict punishment for Fayaz, stating that no one should ever dare to commit such atrocities against women.

"I request the people of Karnataka to forgive me. My son has done wrong. He will be punished by the law of the land and I welcome it. My town has got a black mark because of my son. People of Munavalli (Fayaz's hometown) please forgive me. You raised us. Please forgive me," he pleaded with folded hands.

Earlier, Fayaz's mother Mamtaz, who is also a teacher by profession, demanded capital punishment for her son.

“I apologise to the people of Karnataka as well as Neha’s family for what my son has done. It is a great injustice to Neha and her family," she said.

“What my son has done is completely wrong and we hang our heads in shame. What he did is a big mistake and he should be given strict punishment as per the law of the land,” she added.

'It was Neha who made the first move,' alleges Mamtaz

Mamtaz further alleged that both Neha and Fayaz were in love and wanted to marry and it was Neha who made the first move.

“It was Neha who made the first move and took his phone number. My son did tell me about Neha and that he was in love with her and they wanted to get married. But I had suggested that he first focus on his career.”

“My son was very brilliant and always secured above 90 per cent marks since LKG and UKG days. He wanted to become an IAS officer and was also a University Blue (bodybuilding competition) champion,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)