Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy (File Photo)
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy was reportedly caught on camera telling someone on phone to 'mercilessly' kill the accused in the murder case of a Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) party worker. H Prakash was killed by four assailants due to alleged personal rivalry in Karnataka's Maddur town in Mandya district on Monday.
"He (Prakash) was a good man. I don't know who killed him in this way. Kill the miscreant mercilessly. There would be no issue," Kumaraswamy is heard on the video recorded by journalists.
However, when the video went viral, the CM clarified that his remark was just as emotional outburst as he was shocked by the murder of his party worker.
"Prakash was a loyal party worker. The district police have been directed to take steps to arrest the accused," a statement from Kumaraswamy's office said on Monday night.
Prakash, who was also a former Zilla Panchayat member, was attacked by four men on bikes with machete. The 50-year-old leader was rushed to Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences where he died later.
The police have lodged a case and a hunt is on to nab the attackers.
