Bengaluru
BJP leaders, including State President BY Vijayendra and Assembly Opposition Leader R Ashoka, protested against the Karnataka government’s decision to withdraw criminal cases against AIMIM leaders involved in the 2022 Hubballi riots. The protest took place with slogans denouncing the move to drop charges against those accused of leading a violent mob that attacked police officers and attempted to storm a police station.
Deputy Opposition Leader Arvind Bellad criticized the decision, calling it ‘disgraceful’ and accused the government of shielding MLA Vinay Kulkarni, who faces serious allegations. He demanded Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation and an independent investigation into alleged corruption in the MUDA scam.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also condemned the withdrawal, labeling the accused as ‘Islamic fundamentalist elements.’ Joshi highlighted that these individuals faced charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly trying to harm police officers and destroy a police station. He pointed out that various courts, including the Supreme Court, had repeatedly denied them bail.
The opposition accused Congress of vote bank politics, arguing that dropping serious charges, including attempted murder and rioting, is a move to appease a particular community. The unrest, sparked by a social media post on April 16, 2022, depicting a saffron flag atop a mosque, led to widespread violence, injuring police officers and damaging public property.
