BJP Leader Accuses K'taka Home Minister & Congress of Misleading on Hubballi Riots Case Withdrawal

Bengaluru, March 19 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakai on Wednesday accused the State Home Minister G. Parameshwara and the Congress government of being dishonest regarding the withdrawal of cases against 155 individuals involved in the Hubballi police station rioting case.

He made these allegations on the floor of the Assembly while delivering a statement under Rule 69.

"In relation to the withdrawal of the Hubballi riots case, Home Minister Parameshwara had previously addressed this during the Winter Session. The State Home Minister stated that on June 13, 2023, the Director of Prosecutions, Government Litigations, and the Department of Law had provided their opinion favoring the withdrawal of the cases. However, after consulting with the relevant authorities, they explicitly informed me that no such opinion had been issued," the BJP leader claimed.

"Who is deceiving here? Is it the Department of Prosecution, or is it the Home Minister? For any case to be withdrawn, all legal protocols must be adhered to. The concerned department asserts they never provided any opinion. How was this issue even presented in the Cabinet?" Tenginakai questioned.

Discussing the incident, the BJP leader elaborated, "On April 16, 2022, at 9:30 p.m., incited by a WhatsApp status, thousands from the minority community surrounded the Hubballi police station. They assaulted the police. An FIR was lodged, and 155 individuals were detained. I want to highlight some details included in the FIR."

"The rioting commenced at 9:30 p.m. and persisted until 12:30 a.m.. The FIR notes that an attempt was made to rally people by stating, 'Har ek ko apna kaam nibhana hai, ye sirf Anjuman walon ka kaam nahin hai. Har mujahid ka kaam hai. Agar hum hakikat mein imaan wala banna hai to iss ka muh tod jawab dena hai.'"

"They even incited individuals by questioning if they would only awaken after the demolition of the Hubballi mosque and Baba Dargah. The accused, Wasim Akram Pathan, a Moulvi, had initiated the NGO Tanzim-E-Ashrafia and also operated a tours and travels business. He had even traveled to Pakistan and Bangladesh. During his visit to Karachi, he attended the headquarters of Dawat-e-Islami and received training in mobilizing people," the BJP leader recounted, quoting the FIR in the Assembly.

"The riots were intense, and law enforcement officers could have been killed. Numerous police personnel were hospitalized. The rioters damaged the Police Commissioner's vehicle, hurled stones at the police station, and attempted to set it ablaze. They even tried to set fire to temples nearby. The previous government detained 155 individuals," he added.

After the investigation, the case was transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), he stated.

However, the Congress government made a controversial choice to withdraw the cases.

"When Home Minister G. Parameshwara visited Hubballi, I questioned him about this. He merely smiled and remained silent. Prior to the elections, Congress leaders in Hubballi had openly declared that they would withdraw the cases if their party gained power," Tenginakai alleged.

"Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar penned a letter to Home Minister Parameshwara advocating the withdrawal of cases. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also commented on the issue, stating that the cases would not be withdrawn. Even Parameshwara initially asserted that merely because Shivakumar wrote a letter, the cases would not be withdrawn," the BJP leader stated.

"When the procedure for withdrawing the cases commenced, I sought official information in the last session. I was informed that the Director of Prosecutions, Government Litigations, and the Legal Department had provided their opinion. Subsequently, the Cabinet Subcommittee approved the matter, and the DGP also expressed support for the withdrawal of the cases," he added.

"On July 10, 2024, the Cabinet resolved to withdraw the cases. On July 15, 2024, a government order was issued regarding this. I specifically inquired about the process for withdrawing any case. This is a scheduled offense. We have no objections if cases against farmers or Dalits are withdrawn. However, I was informed that the opinion of the State Police Chief, the Director of Prosecution, and Government Litigations are considered," he mentioned.

"The government further claimed that the opinion was also gathered from the Legal Department and that the Cabinet Subcommittee would verify it, and based on their recommendation under CrPC 321, it would be presented before the Cabinet. Only the cases approved by the Cabinet would subsequently be presented before the court for withdrawal," Tenginakai added.

He condemned the Congress government's actions, stating, "After the withdrawal of cases related to the Hubballi police station riot, an assault occurred on the Udayagiri police station in Mysuru. The rioters believe they will be released. Which police officer will dare to apprehend rioters now? The police may perceive it as not worth the risk. What will the situation be in the state? Why is the government so focused on liberating these criminals? The government should reevaluate its decision to withdraw these cases."

State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil stated that Home Minister Parameshwara would address the issues raised by the BJP members.