The Karnataka government on Friday defended its decision to withdraw 52 criminal cases from prosecution, including seven cases linked to the 2022 communal violence at Ladal Mushtaq Dargah in Kalaburagi district, saying the move came after a detailed legal and administrative review by a ministerial sub-committee.
Home Minister G Parameshwara said the cases were not dropped suddenly, but were examined individually after various organizations lodged representations with the government over several years.
“Pro-Kannada organizations and farmer organizations have been filing protests over the cases against them for several years. The government referred them to a Cabinet sub-committee and after discussing each case individually, the sub-committee felt that these cases can be legally withdrawn,” Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru.
The Siddaramaiah-led government agreed to the withdrawal during its meeting on Thursday. According to the government, these cases included members of pro-Kannada organizations, farmer groups, Dalit activists, and others who faced criminal action in connection with protests and public disturbances across the state.
Among those expected to benefit from the decision is Kannada activist Vattal Nagaraj, against whom 10 cases are scheduled to be withdrawn. Vatal Nagaraj is a veteran Kannada activist and founder of Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha, known for leading protests on issues related to the Kannada language, regional identity and state rights.
But the government’s decision sparked political controversy because it also includes seven cases linked to communal violence that occurred in Aland town in Kalaburagi district in February 2022.
The clashes were related to tensions surrounding the Mushtaq Scoop Dargah, where a procession went to offer prayers to the Shivalinga located within the dargah premises. During the incident, stones were allegedly thrown at the procession as well as at vehicles belonging to police officers and public representatives, leading to unrest and violence in the area.
The police subsequently registered several FIRs in connection with the clashes.
When Parameshwara was specifically asked why the government decided to withdraw cases related to the violence in Aland, he refused to discuss details but asserted that the Cabinet had taken into consideration all aspects before arriving at its decision. He said: “I do not want to talk in detail. The Council of Ministers has decided to withdraw the cases.”
When journalists pointed out that police officers were attacked during the violence, the minister said that the Council of Ministers took this into account before approving the withdrawal. He added: “The decision was made after studying all these facts, and it was not taken suddenly.”
According to Cabinet documents, the riot-related cases that were withdrawn include charges such as rioting, attempted murder, assault on police officers and public officials, and damage to government property. The report said that more than 100 defendants are likely to benefit from this move. The decision to withdraw the cases came after a recommendation from the association’s president, Ut Khader, according to the report.
Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy questioned the legality and basis of withdrawal of cases that were already heard in the courts. “This is a policy of appeasement by Siddaramaiah. How can they withdraw the cases currently before the court?” He said.
