Karnataka government withdraws 2022 Hubballi riots cases against AIMIM leaders and 138 others – Karnataka News

The Congress-led Karnataka government has decided to drop criminal cases against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Mohammed Arif and 138 others who were accused of leading a mob that attacked the police and station threatened with a burglary.

They were also accused of inciting violence during the Hubballi riots in April 2022.

The cases against them included criminal charges including attempted murder and rioting, which have now been dropped despite objections from prosecutors, police and the Justice Department.

In October 2023, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had written to the Additional Director General of Police to withdraw these cases and reconsider the charges. On Shivakumar’s recommendation, the Home Ministry was tasked with collecting relevant case information, including FIRs and witness statements.

The withdrawal of the case drew a strong backlash from the opposition, with the BJP accusing the Congress of trying to appease Muslims.

BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar said, “The Cong government is playing appeasement politics. It supports terrorists and withdraws cases against them. While cases against farmers and students are pending, cases against anti-India elements are being withdrawn.”

HUBBALLI riots

The unrest in question began on April 16, 2022, after a derogatory image showing a saffron flag atop a mosque was posted on social media. This sparked outrage within the Muslim community and led to a large protest outside the old Hubballi police station.

What started as a demonstration quickly escalated into violence. Thousands of people reportedly took part in a riot that left four police officers injured and significant damage to public property.