Karnataka Govt Withdraws Cases Linked to 2022 Dargah Clashes
BJP attacks Congress government over withdrawal of riot-related criminal cases
- Karnataka withdraws 42 criminal cases across state
- 13 cases linked to 2022 Ladle Mashak Dargah violence dropped
- BJP accuses Congress of encouraging violent elements
- Government says each case was legally reviewed before decision
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 22nd May: The Indian National Congress-led Karnataka government has decided to withdraw 42 criminal cases, including multiple cases linked to the 2022 communal clashes at the disputed Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland town of Kalaburagi district, triggering strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Among the withdrawn cases are 13 linked to violence that erupted after allegations that a Shivling inside the dargah had been desecrated.
The incident had sparked tension after Hindu activists allegedly attempted to enter the dargah premises to clean the Shivling.
Several vehicles were damaged during the clashes, including official vehicles and those associated with political leaders. Windows of vehicles belonging to Union Minister Bhagwanth Khuba and the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner were also vandalised.
Sources said Karnataka’s Home Department had initially opposed withdrawal of the riot-related cases due to adverse legal opinions and concerns over dropping prosecution in a sensitive communal violence matter.
However, a Cabinet sub-committee later approved the withdrawal proposal, reportedly overruling departmental objections. The state Cabinet subsequently cleared the decision during a recent meeting.
Reacting sharply, BJP spokesperson S Prakash accused the Congress government of encouraging violence through repeated case withdrawals.
“This is the third time the Congress government is withdrawing serious cases in the state,” Prakash said, alleging that earlier withdrawals involving riot and police station attack cases had already faced court challenges.
He also claimed the decision may have been influenced by senior Congress leaders, including Priyank Kharge and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Defending the move, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said each case was individually examined by the Cabinet sub-committee to determine whether legal grounds existed for withdrawal.
“Around 52 cases involving various organisations across the state were reviewed,” Parameshwara said, adding that the Cabinet took the final decision only after detailed discussions.
The Home Minister maintained that the decision was neither sudden nor politically motivated.
Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi also defended the government and rejected allegations that only one community benefited from the withdrawals.
“There are Muslims, farmers, leaders of political parties and various others involved in different cases,” he said, accusing the BJP of making standardised political allegations.
The controversy has reignited debate in Karnataka over political intervention in criminal prosecutions and handling of communal violence cases.
