The Karnataka cabinet has faced backlash from the BJP for withdrawing the Old Hubbali Police Station riots case, disregarding objections from the law, police, and prosecution departments. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attempted to justify the decision. The cabinet can choose to retract specific cases. Such decisions can be made at the home minister’s discretion. I will investigate the issue. He questioned whether the BJP ever stands up for the truth instead of false causes.
Nevertheless, an advocate from Bengaluru has sent a letter to the Karnataka Chief Secretary, raising concerns about the withdrawal of the Hubbali riots case. Girish Bharadwaj has referenced the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Sheonandan Paswan vs State of Bihar, stating that cases involving riots cannot be dismissed. The FIR filed at Old Hubbali Police Station against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders Mohammed Arif and others was cancelled following Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s letter to the government requesting the case be closed last year.
Arif and other AIMIM leaders were alleged to have organized a group that assaulted the police and warned of forcefully entering the Old Hubbali Police Station on the evening of April 16, 2022 to demonstrate against an offensive post on social media. They proceeded to go on a rampage, causing damage to police vehicles and public property. They were charged with serious offenses like attempted murder, rioting, and more. Arif and 138 others were also charged with offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The BJP has alleged that the Congress government is engaging in policies of appeasement. The Congress consistently supports appeasement and vote bank politics. Repeatedly, they have been revealed. Why can they not afford equal treatment to every segment of the population? Former deputy CM Ashwathnarayan inquired about how they could retract the Hubbali riots case.
The Karnataka cabinet has chosen to drop 43 cases in the state, most of which are not significant, including charges against farmers and Kannada activists for activities such as protesting, road blockades, and illegal assembly. Legal charges against both BJP leader CT Ravi and Congress Minister MC Sudhakar have also been dismissed. They were arrested for demonstrating and obstructing traffic on highways and roads. The only case with significant charges was the old Hubbali police station case.