The Congress government in Karnataka has once again taken steps to appease the minority Muslim community by deciding to drop a series of cases against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders who were charged for their involvement in pro-Hijab protests. This decision comes on the heels of the recent release of AIMIM leaders linked to the Hubballi riots in April 2022.
Reports indicate that the recent release of AIMIM leaders, who were involved in pro-Hijab protests during 2022, sharply contradicts the Karnataka government’s previous statements to the Supreme Court. In those statements, the government claimed that no girl had worn a hijab in educational institutions until 2021, arguing that the controversy stemmed from a social media campaign initiated by the Popular Front of India (PFI).
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta added that this movement aimed to create religious discord, asserting that it was not a spontaneous action by students but part of a broader conspiracy, with the students acting on external guidance.
However, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government suddenly decided to drop the charges against those implicated in the protests. In contrast, the cabinet decided not to drop cases against Hindu college students who protested against the hijab in the Davangere district, despite recommendations from a subcommittee for withdrawal. Critics are highlighting these apparent double standards.
BIG BREAKING: Documentary evidence unearthed suggests Karnataka Govt dropped another case against AIMIM leaders booked for Pro- Hijab protest during Covid 3rd wave.
On the other hand cabinet decided to NOT drop cases against Hindu college students who protested against Hijab in…
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) October 14, 2024
Hubballi Riots Charges Dropped
On 11 October 2024, the Congress-led Karnataka government decided to withdraw criminal charges against AIMIM leader Mohammed Arif and 138 others, who were accused of leading a mob that attacked police and attempted to breach a police station. They were also implicated in inciting violence during the Hubballi riots in April 2022.
The charges included serious offenses such as attempted murder and rioting, which have now been dropped despite objections from the prosecution, police, and the legal department.
In October 2023, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote to the Additional Director General of Police, recommending the withdrawal of these cases and a reconsideration of the charges. Following his recommendation, the home department was assigned to gather relevant case information, including FIRs and witness statements.
The decision to withdraw the charges has faced strong criticism from the Opposition, with the BJP accusing the Congress of appeasing the Muslim community. BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar stated, “The Congress government is engaging in appeasement politics, supporting terrorists, and dropping cases against them. Meanwhile, cases against farmers and students remain unresolved, while those involving anti-India elements are being dismissed.”
The unrest originated on 16 April 2022, after a derogatory image depicting a saffron flag atop a mosque was shared on social media, sparking outrage in the Muslim community and leading to a large protest outside the Old Hubballi Police Station. What began as a demonstration quickly escalated into violence, with thousands involved in a riot that resulted in injuries to four police officers and extensive damage to public property.
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