Karnataka Withdraws 60 Criminal Cases Including 2019 Stone-Pelting Incident

Bengaluru, Sep 5 (PTI) — The Karnataka cabinet recently decided to withdraw 60 criminal cases, including those related to a 2019 stone-pelting incident in Chittapur and cases against alleged supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

These individuals were booked for stone-pelting following Shivakumar's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that same year.

Following a cabinet meeting, Law and Parliament Affairs Minister H K Patil disclosed the decision to drop cases linked to farmers, students, and Kannada activists, among others.

However, he refrained from providing specific case details.

According to official sources, the withdrawn cases include the 2019 Chittapur incident, where unrest followed police action against cattle transportation, and cases against Shivakumar's supporters accused of vandalizing buses and government offices in Kanakapura post his arrest.

Additional cases involve supporters of Shivakumar's brother, D K Suresh, who had protested against the then-Chief Minister in 2012 after their leader was excluded from an Ambedkar tribute event.

The withdrawn cases encompass various groups, including pro-farmer, pro-Dalit, pro-Kannada organizations, political party workers, and participants in skirmishes during Ganesha processions.

The decision follows appeals from public representatives and citizens, considered by the Home Department and brought before the cabinet.

An official explained that opinions from the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Director of Prosecutions and Government Litigation, and the Law Department were sought before presenting cases to a Cabinet Sub-Committee for approval.

Despite recommendations against withdrawal by the Home Department, DGP and IGP, and other legal advisors, the cabinet proceeded with the decision.

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