Karnataka Government Withdraws AIMIM Leaders’ Cases

In Shorts

Karnataka government withdraws cases against AIMIM leaders from 2022 Hubballi riots.
The Congress-led government drops charges of attempted murder and rioting against 139 leaders.
BJP criticizes the decision, accusing Congress of appeasing Muslims.

Karnataka Government Withdraws Cases Against AIMIM Leaders from 2022 Hubballi Riots

The Congress-led Karnataka government has decided to withdraw criminal cases against AIMIM leader Mohammed Arif and 138 others, accused of leading a mob that attacked the police and threatened to break into the police station in Hubballi in 2022. These leaders were also accused of inciting violence during the Hubballi riots that occurred in April 2022.

They faced serious charges, including attempted murder and rioting, which have now been dropped despite objections from the prosecution, police, and the department of law.

In October 2023, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote to the Additional Director General of Police, recommending the withdrawal of these cases and reconsideration of the charges. Following Shivakumar’s recommendation, the home department was tasked with gathering relevant case information, including FIRs and witness statements.

The withdrawal of the cases has drawn strong backlash from the Opposition, with the BJP accusing Congress of trying to appease Muslims. BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar stated, “The Congress government is engaging in appeasement politics. It is supporting terrorists and withdrawing cases against them. While cases against farmers and students are pending, cases against anti-India elements will be withdrawn.”

HUBBALLI RIOTS

The unrest in question began on April 16, 2022, after the posting of a derogatory image on social media depicting a saffron flag atop a mosque. This sparked outrage within the Muslim community, leading to a large protest outside the Old Hubballi Police Station.

What started as a demonstration quickly escalated into violence, with thousands reportedly participating in a riot that resulted in injuries to four police officers and significant damage to public property.