Hundreds take to streets protesting arrest of innocent youth in terror cases

November 23, 2012

Bangalore, November 23: Hundreds of people from various sections of the society Thursday held a massive protest march against the arbitrary arrests of innocent youths under the pretext of terrorism.

The 'People's March' organised under the joint auspices of Praja Rajakiya Vedike and Students Islamic Organization Of India (SIO) Karnataka, People's Union for Civil Rights (PUCL), Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat-e-Ulema, Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Karnataka Dalitha Mahila Vedike , Karnataka Muslim Mutthahida Mahaz (KMMM), Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum (KSMF), New Socialist Alternative (CWI-India), Open Space, People's Democratic Forum (PDF), and many more civil society groups, demanded the Government to stop arresting innocent youths under false terror charges.

Inaugurating the march, Mohammed Taha Mateen, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said that innocent youths across the country are being arrested on false charges and are being denied bail. Their trial goes on for a long time and after prolonged imprisonment, they are acquitted by the courts. Such illegal arrests are matter of serious concern, he said.

Manohar Elavarthi, a leader of Praja Rajakiya Vedike lamented that it has become routine for the police and investigating agencies to arrest Muslim youth and implicate in false cases.

Prof. Narasimaiah, noted historian and thinker alleged that communal forces are behind such arrests.

The agitators demanded that fast track courts be set up to try cases of illegal arrests so that the victims get speedy justice. They also urged Government to provide suitable compensation and rehabilitation of those acquitted by the courts.

The 'People's March' culminated at Town hall, where several leaders and activists addressed that gathering.

“A terrorist was hanged on Wednesday, but we need to see who the real culprits are and punish them," said B T Lalita Naik, a former minister in the government of Karnataka.

"The media should also start using proper language for reporting. Whether it is the English, Urdu or Kannada media, the word 'alleged' should be used; because the world depends on media,” she added.

Expressing happiness over the turnout of people, B T Venkatesh, a lawyer and human rights activist said “I am worried about the lives which are being destroyed for no reason. If we don't raise a voice against such injustice, then we are not humans; even we become criminals”.

“The people whom you are putting in jails, are very important for the development of our nation. There are doctors, engineers and journalists. We are speaking for all the innocents. Nobody is speaking for Kasab or a terrorist like him,” said Mohammed Kunni, Manager, Shanthi Prakashan.

The protesters also demanded free and fair investigation of the arrested youth without any custodial torture and that suitable action be taken against the police officers who are responsible for fabrication of such cases.

Repeal of draconian laws like Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), was also one of the demands presented by the protesters.

According to the organizers, similar protest marches are being held at different state capitals, wherein protesters would march to the Assembly.

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Lokayukta team arrives at disputed plot; CM likely to get ED summons

News Network

October 1,2024

Mysuru, Oct 1: The Karnataka Lokayukta team on Tuesday arrived at the disputed plot in Mysuru and began investigation into the MUDA case against CM Siddaramaiah and his wife, news agency ANI reported. Snehamayi Krishna, the complainant in the case was also present with the team.

Sources stated that ED sleuths might issue a notice to CM Siddaramaiah at any time and issue summons to him for questioning. The sleuths are also keenly watching the movements of CM Siddaramaiah’s close associates and relatives, including a cabinet minister in connection with the MUDA scam.

Sources further said that there is a possibility of the ED conducting raids across the state on offices and residences of close associates of CM Siddaramaiah. The ED has also gathered information on bank accounts and financial transactions of CM Siddaramaiah and his associates.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to an FIR by the police, against CM Siddaramaiah over the alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife Parvathi B.M. by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. The ED registered the case taking cognisance of the FIR registered against the Chief Minister by the Lokayukta police on September 27.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Lokayukta probing the MUDA case has also expedited the probe. The sleuths led by Mysuru Lokayukta SP T.J. Udesh have visited the controversial land on the outskirts of Mysuru city. The petitioner, Snehamayi Krishna, also accompanied the team.

The move of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife to return 14 sites allotted by the MUDA to her has triggered a debate. BJP MLA from Mysuru T.S. Srivatsa stated on Tuesday that the move of CM’s wife is not acceptable. "The two commissioners who colluded in the MUDA scam are roaming freely even today," he said.

"CM Siddaramaiah first claimed that there was no scam at all. Later, he formed a commission and now there is an FIR against him. After committing the mistake, you offer to return the sale deed. The time is up. He will have to tender his resignation and I am sure he won’t be in the position until Dasara festivities," MLA T.S. Srivatsa stated.

T.J. Abraham, one of the petitioners in the MUDA case said, “I had demanded the MUDA commissioner to take back the allotted sites. He had written back saying the process would be initiated. They were waiting for the investigation report."

"CM Siddaramaiah has not approached the division bench or the Supreme Court to challenge the order against him because there is nothing to be challenged. Returning sites is not a big sacrifice. The Chief Minister has lost it," Abraham stated.

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