Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the withdrawal of criminal cases related to the 2022 Hubballi riots was done on the direction of the sub-committee, headed by the home minister and slammed the BJP for its comments on this, saying they “fight only on false ideas.”
“The Home Minister headed this sub-committee and the complaint was withdrawn as per the discretion of the committee.However, I will get more information on this issue. BJP fights only on false ideas,” Siddaramaiah said while talking to reporters.
Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the state decided to withdraw the criminal charges against the accused individuals, including leaders from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in 2022 Hubballi riots.
This remark came after Union minister Prahlad Joshi launched a scathing attack at the Congress and said despite the seriousness of the case, the Congress chose to withdraw the case, showing their support to Islamic fundamental activities.
” Under UAPA this case was filed, whenever a case is filed under UAPA, it is a serious case, it is normally used against terrorist-related activities… for more than 2 years, High Court and Supreme Court denied the bail…they changed the lawyer…some of the Ministers and MLAs from Congress wrote to CM and Dy CM demanding the withdrawal of the case…” Joshi claimed.
“Police department and ministry of law of the state government opposed the withdrawal of the case and despite that they (Karnataka government) have withdrawn it and in a way, they are supporting Islamic fundamental activities,” he added.
The controversy stems from the violent unrest that took place on April 16, 2022, in Hubballi, following the circulation of a derogatory image on social media showing a saffron flag atop a mosque. The post ignited widespread anger among the local Muslim community, resulting in a large protest outside the Old Hubballi Police Station.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar had written to the Additional Director General of Police in October 2023, recommending the withdrawal and reconsideration of charges related to the 2022 Hubballi riots, according to sevral reports.
Earlier, BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar expressed outrage, stating, “The Congress government is supporting terrorists by withdrawing cases against them. While cases involving farmers and students remain pending, those against anti-India elements are being dropped.”