State Cabinet Wipes out Cases against Reddy Brothers
Bangalore, Jun 19 (DHNS): In a controversial decision, the State cabinet on Thursday reportedly decided to withdraw several criminal cases pending before various courts against the associates of ‘powerful’ Reddy ministers from Bellary, including the destruction of historical Sunkalamma Devi temple near Obalapuram.
A criminal case was slapped against the supporters of Bellary ministers for destroying a two-century old temple near Oblapuram by using explosives on September 3, 2006. The temple was allegedly destroyed to carry out iron ore mining. The incident had evoked sharp reaction from the Opposition parties which had demanded that the CM should drop the Ministers.
The cabinet, however, decided to withdraw the case. It is learnt that both the Law department and the top police brass had raised objections against withdrawal of the cases.
Sources said withdrawal of these cases was part of the wish list of the Bellary ministers. Now the CM has fulfiled one of their demands.
Besides, sources said, cases booked against the supporters of Bellary ministers under the IPC section 143, 147, 120, 295, 436 and 506 have also been taken back. Actually, the JMFC, Bellary, had issued warrants to a few of those involved in these cases. Some of these cases were at hearing stage.
Sources said the Bellary SP too was against the withdrawal of the cases as they were pending before the Court.
Even the top police brass and the law department too had expressed the same opinion stating that the law should take its own course and there is no public interest in this.
However it is learnt that the Home Minister insisted that they should be withdrawn, on which the cabinet should decide.
Following this the matter was moved to the cabinet and a decision has been taken to withdraw them.
Similarly other cases
Ten cases pertaining to the violations of code of conduct during the assembly elections- 2008 in several police stations of Bellary including seven in Cowl Bazaar Police Station (includes the seizure of Rs 2, 82, 500 cash, and gifts ) and three in Brustpet Police Station have also been withdrawn. Some cases filed during Bellary CorporationElections too have been withdrawn, despite opposition from Law department.
A case against Raitha sangha leader Kurubur Shantha Kumar leading farmers to Vidhana Soudha filed by Sheshadripuram Police has been withdrawn. Case against farmers of Indi for attacking tahsildhar’s office for not providing support price for sugar cane growers too has been decided to be withdrawn by the Government.
A case against BJP workers for voilating code of conduct during the assembly polls at Kantheshwara village in Karkala in Dakshina Kannada district on may 6, 2008 has also been decided to be withdrawn.