In a move that has invited criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Karnataka cabinet has withdrawn the Old Hubbali Police Station riots case, despite strong objections from its law department, police department and prosecution.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tried to defend the move. “The cabinet has the powers to withdraw certain cases. Based on the home minister’s discretion, such decisions can be taken. I will look into the matter. The BJP only fights for false causes, do they ever fight for the truth,” he asked.
However, a Bengaluru-based advocate has written to Karnataka Chief Secretary, objecting to Hubbali riots case being withdrawn. Girish Bharadwaj has quoted the Supreme Court order in Sheonandan Paswan vs State of Bihar case saying such riot cases can’t be withdrawn.
THE CASE
The First Information Report (FIR) registered at Old Hubbali Police Station against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders Mohammed Arif and others was withdrawn after Deputy CM DK Shivakumar wrote to the government last year requesting the case be dropped.
Arif and other AIMIM leaders were accused of leading a mob that attacked the police and threatened to storm the Old Hubbali Police Station on the night of April 16, 2022 to protest against a derogatory social media post. They later went on a rampage, damaging police vehicles and public property. They were booked under serious charges such as attempt to murder, rioting, among others. Even charges under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) were slapped against Arif and 138 others.
The BJP has accused the Congress government of practising appeasement politics. “The Congress always stands for appeasement and vote bank politics. Time and again, they have been exposed. Why can’t they give similar consideration to all sections of society? How can they withdraw the Hubbali riots case,” asked former deputy CM Ashwathnarayan.
43 CASES WITHDRAWN
The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to withdraw 43 cases in the state, but 42 of those are not of serious nature, with many of them against farmers and Kannada activists for protesting, blocking roads and unlawful assembly, etc.
Cases against BJP leader CT Ravi and Congress Minister MC Sudhakar, too, have been dropped. They were booked for protesting and blocking highways and roads. Only the old Hubbali police station case had serious charges.
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