The decision by the Karnataka government to withdraw the 2022 Hubballi riot case has sparked a political storm, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launching a scathing criticism of the state’s move. Joshi, who hails from Karnataka and holds a prominent position in the Union Cabinet, expressed his concerns over the withdrawal of a case that was filed under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Speaking to the media in Hubballi, Joshi emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, “Whenever a case is filed under UAPA, it is a serious case. It is normally used against terrorist-related activities.” He further highlighted that for over two years, the High Court and Supreme Court had consistently denied bail to the accused individuals, underscoring the seriousness of the charges involved.
Background of the Hubballi Riot Case
The 2022 Hubballi riot erupted in the northern part of Karnataka, where communal tensions escalated, leading to widespread violence, injuries, and property damage. The case was initially filed under the UAPA due to the intensity of the riot and the involvement of certain fundamentalist elements. The Karnataka Police had arrested multiple individuals in connection with the violence, and the courts had taken a strong stance by refusing bail, reflecting the severity of the charges.
However, in recent months, there has been increasing political pressure from certain quarters within the state government. Joshi pointed out that several Congress Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) had written to the Chief Minister (CM) and Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) of Karnataka, requesting the withdrawal of the case. This political lobbying raised concerns about whether the decision was being influenced by appeasement politics or political calculations.
Opposition from the Police and Legal Experts
Joshi revealed that both the Karnataka Police Department and the Ministry of Law of the state had opposed the withdrawal of the case. The law enforcement agencies, which had worked on investigating the riot and bringing the accused to justice, were reportedly against any move to quash the case due to the potential implications it could have on law and order. Legal experts also warned that withdrawing such a high-profile case, especially one filed under UAPA, could set a dangerous precedent.
Despite these warnings, the Karnataka government, led by the Congress party, moved ahead with its decision to withdraw the case, raising questions about the underlying motivations.
Allegations of Supporting Fundamentalism
In a strong rebuke, Pralhad Joshi accused the state government of indirectly supporting Islamic fundamentalist activities by withdrawing the case. He argued that UAPA is generally invoked in cases involving terrorism or activities that threaten national security, and the decision to withdraw a case filed under this act sends a wrong message. Joshi’s remarks were a direct attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing them of playing to religious vote-bank politics and undermining the state’s security apparatus.
Political Repercussions
The withdrawal of the Hubballi riot case has intensified the political divide in Karnataka, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticizing the Congress government. The move has become a flashpoint in state politics, with the BJP and other opposition parties vowing to raise the issue at multiple forums. The Congress, on the other hand, has maintained that the decision was made after careful consideration, though the specific reasons for the withdrawal remain unclear.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government’s withdrawal of the 2022 Hubballi riot case has triggered significant controversy, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi leading the charge in criticizing the decision. Accusations of supporting fundamentalist activities and ignoring the advice of law enforcement agencies have fueled the political debate in the state, potentially setting the stage for further confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka.
This issue is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming weeks, as both sides seek to frame the narrative ahead of future elections and political realignments in the state.
