Bengaluru: The Government of Karnataka led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has withdrawn seven riot-related cases linked to the 2022 violence at Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland town, a decision that could benefit more than 100 accused persons, according to cabinet documents accessed by CNN-News18.
The move has triggered a major political controversy in the state, with opposition parties and activists accusing the government of appeasement politics, while the ruling side has defended the decision as a routine legal process.
The withdrawn cases include serious charges such as rioting, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel and public servants, and damage to government property.
Cabinet approves withdrawal of riot-related cases
According to official cabinet documents, the Karnataka government acknowledged the seriousness of the 2022 violence while approving the withdrawal of the cases.
The cases were part of a larger set of 42 protest-related cases reviewed by the state cabinet, which also included cases linked to farmers’ protests and pro-Kannada agitations.
However, the inclusion of riot-related cases from the Ladle Mashak Dargah incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who allege that the government added them “silently” to the broader withdrawal list.
Reports indicate that more than 100 accused individuals may now benefit from the decision if the withdrawal is upheld.
Details of 2022 Aland violence
The violence reportedly took place in February 2022 in Aland during tensions surrounding the Ladle Mashak Dargah.
Police had registered multiple FIRs following clashes between groups, during which officials said law and order situations escalated significantly.
Cabinet documents reportedly state that a mob armed with sticks, rods and swords attacked police personnel on duty, resulting in injuries to a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a constable.
The documents also mention damage to government vehicles during the unrest and allege that police personnel were targeted during the clashes.
One of the accused was reportedly cited in the documents as having issued threats to police officers during the incident.
Opposition slams government decision
The decision has sparked strong reactions from opposition leaders in Karnataka.
Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy criticised the move, calling it “appeasement politics” and questioning the withdrawal of cases that are still under judicial process.
“These are cases with serious charges. They attacked policemen and torched police vehicles,” he said, according to reports.
Hindu activist Hiremath also opposed the decision, alleging that people involved in religious gatherings were attacked during the 2022 incident.
He warned of a legal challenge against the government’s decision and claimed that multiple FIRs related to the incident had now been withdrawn.
State government defends decision
The Karnataka government, however, defended the move, stating that case withdrawals are not new and have been carried out by previous administrations as well.
Congress leader Saleem Ahmed said that the decision followed due legal procedures and was part of a broader review of multiple cases.
He added that similar withdrawals had taken place during earlier governments and insisted that the process was not unusual in nature.
Officials have maintained that all decisions were taken within the framework of law and after proper review by the cabinet.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of riot-related cases linked to the 2022 Aland violence has sparked a fresh political battle in Karnataka, with the opposition accusing the government of favouritism while the ruling party defends it as a routine legal exercise. With over 100 accused potentially benefiting, the issue is expected to remain a key point of political and legal debate in the state.