Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Sep 2: The state government has decided to withdraw criminal cases filed against activists participating in farmer protests, Mahadayi protesters etc. But it is alleged that in the name of activists, the government has also withdrawn some cases standing against BJP workers and leaders.
It is the normal practice of every government to withdraw cases against people who participate in protests and organize Hartals in favour of farmer issues or social concerns. It is said that the current government, in the name of social concern, has also withdrawn cases against certain organizers and party workers. This many felt is a blatant attempt to cover up their deeds and to justify the acts of such organizations and individuals. The state cabinet which met last week had given approval for the proposal to withdraw 62 criminal cases.
The government had clarified that cases relating to Hunsur students, Belagavi city market incident etc have been withdrawn. It had said that serious cases and individual cases were not being withdrawn. But it is said that the government has withdrawn some cases of serious nature against its leaders and workers. These are criminal activities of serious nature. The office of the director-general of police, prosecution and government litigations department have expressed the opinion that it is improper to withdraw them. But in its July 22 meeting, the cabinet sub-committee had recommended to withdrawing 62 cases and approval was given for the same. At the cabinet meeting on August 22, approval was given for the withdrawal of cases. In many cases, they were sighted as cases against activists and student agitators.
One of the cases is against Mysuru MP Pratap Simha who tried to take out a rally on December 3, 2017, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanthi in spite of prohibitory orders with supporters. He was facing allegations of driving his car over the police barricade. Cases against his supporters who held procession, about which case was filed in Hunsur town station, are among the cases being withdrawn. Another case is against the supporters of M P Renukacharya political secretary to the chief minister, registered in Honnali police station on February 6, 2019, for forming illegal assembly a Honnali. They reportedly behaved rudely near the residence of defeated Congress candidate, P Manjappa. There were also allegations of stabbing two persons during the fight.
There are similar cases against supporters of the minister, B C Patil at Haveri, supporters of Dharwad BJP MLA, Amrit Desai in 2015 etc which are in the list of cases being withdrawn.