Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 20: A heated debate erupted in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday as BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakai accused the state’s Congress-led government of misleading the House regarding the withdrawal of cases against 155 individuals linked to the 2022 Hubballi police station riot.
Raising the issue under Rule 69, Tenginakai alleged that home minister G Parameshwara had provided inaccurate information during the Winter Session. "The home minister claimed that on June 13, 2023, the director of prosecutions, government litigations, and the department of law had recommended withdrawing these cases. However, my inquiries with these authorities indicate they gave no such opinion," he asserted.
Tenginakai questioned the veracity of the government's statements, demanding to know how the withdrawal was approved without legal backing. "If the concerned department never provided an opinion, how was the matter presented before the Cabinet? Who is lying—the department of prosecution or the home minister?" he asked.
The BJP leader recounted details from the First Information Report (FIR), describing the events of April 16, 2022, when a mob gathered outside Hubballi police station at 9:30 pm, allegedly incited by provocative messages. "For nearly three hours, the rioters attacked police officers, damaged the police commissioner’s vehicle, pelted stones at the station, and even attempted to set temples on fire. Many officers were injured and hospitalised," Tenginakai said.
He further highlighted that the prime accused, Wasim Akram Pathan, had connections to Dawat-e-Islami, an organisation based in Karachi, Pakistan. "Pathan, a Moulvi, had founded the NGO Tanzim-E-Ashrafia and had visited Pakistan and Bangladesh. The FIR states he received training in mobilizing people," he added.
The riot case was initially investigated by the Karnataka police before being handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Despite the serious charges, the Congress government later decided to withdraw the cases, a move that Tenginakai strongly criticized.
"Before the elections, Congress leaders in Hubballi publicly promised to withdraw these cases if they came to power. After assuming office, deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar even wrote to the home minister requesting their withdrawal. Chief minister Siddaramaiah assured that the cases would not be withdrawn, yet the process was carried out," he said.
Tenginakai pointed out inconsistencies in the government’s stance. "When I sought official information in the previous session, I was told that legal opinions had been obtained from the director of prosecutions, government litigations, and the legal department. However, these departments now deny giving any such opinion. On July 10, 2024, the Cabinet approved the withdrawal, and a government order was issued on July 15, 2024," he revealed.
Tenginakai warned that the decision could embolden criminal elements. "After the Hubballi case withdrawal, we witnessed an attack on the Udayagiri police station in Mysuru. Rioters now believe they will be freed regardless of their crimes. How can police officers risk their lives knowing their efforts might be undone by political decisions? Why is the government prioritizing the release of these offenders?" he questioned.
In response, state law and parliamentary affairs minister H K Patil assured the Assembly that home minister Parameshwara would address the concerns raised by the BJP.