Kalaburagi: In a sharp setback to the Congress-led Karnataka government, the Kalaburagi Bench of the High Court has temporarily stayed the Cabinet’s controversial decision to withdraw the criminal case related to the violent attack on police personnel during the 2019 Bakrid cow-transport incident in Chittapur. The order comes after petitioner Girish Bhardwaj approached the court challenging what he termed an unconstitutional, politically motivated move by the state government to shield offenders involved in an assault on law-enforcement officers. The Division Bench, taking serious note of the allegations, stayed the state’s notification and scheduled the next hearing for December 4. The interim stay is being widely viewed as a judicial reprimand to the government, whose decision has raised questions about its commitment to public order, rule of law, and protection of police personnel performing their duties. Background: 2019 Bakrid incident The case dates back to August 2019, when Chittapur police intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting cows illegally based on credible information. The incident occurred near the checkpost at Diggaon Cross. Following the seizure, a group of 15–20 individuals — including Sheikh Mohsin, Muhammad Fayyaz, Muhammad Yusuf, Imran, Noor Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Zakir, Muhammad Wajid, Mujahid, Muhammad Khalil, Iqbal, Riyaz, Farooq, and Baba Saudagar — confronted the police team on duty. Despite repeated instructions from officers to cooperate and leave the vehicle for legal inspection, the group allegedly argued with and threatened the police personnel. As tensions escalated, the accused moved towards Basirganj Chowk near the police station. Moments later, they resorted to sudden and aggressive stone pelting aimed at obstructing police action. ಗೋಕಳ್ಳರ ಪರ ನಿಂತ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಭಾರೀ ಹಿನ್ನೆಡೆ ಚಿತ್ತಾಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪೊಲೀಸರ ಮೇಲೆ ಕಲ್ಲೆಸೆತ ಕೇಸ್ ವಾಪಸ್ ಗೆ ಹೈಕೋರ್ಟ್ ತಡೆ ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ ಮನವಿಯಂತೆ ಪ್ರಕರಣ ಕೈಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದ ಸಂಪುಟಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಕ್..!#chittapur #kalburgi @Girishvhp #congress #priyankkharge #karnatakaHC pic.twitter.com/irnQHqptNA — Ritam ಕನ್ನಡ (@RitamAppKannada) November 19, 2025 One of the stones, thrown by accused Sheikh Mohsin, struck Abhijit’s car parked nearby, causing significant damage. The attack created panic in the vicinity, disrupted public movement, and placed the officers’ safety at risk. Consequently, a case was registered under multiple sections related to assault on public servants, obstruction of duty, and property damage. Govt’s withdrawal sparks outrage In September 2025, the state Cabinet abruptly decided to withdraw the case, triggering widespread criticism from legal experts, police associations, and civil society groups. Many accused the Congress government of playing appeasement politics and demoralising the police force by signaling that even violent attacks on officers could be condoned for political convenience. The petitioner argued that withdrawing such a serious case amounted to undermining the criminal justice system and sending a dangerous message that offenders can escape accountability through political patronage. He contended that the Cabinet’s decision violated Article 14 of the Constitution and ignored mandatory legal procedures governing case withdrawal. The High Court, convinced that the matter required urgent judicial scrutiny, stayed the government’s move. Court intervention welcomed by police fraternity Across Kalaburagi and beyond, several retired police officers and serving personnel (speaking anonymously) have welcomed the High Court order. Many noted that the Cabinet’s stance had deeply hurt police morale at a time when attacks on law-enforcement personnel are rising across the state. Policing communities argued that the government must prioritize the safety and dignity of officers rather than appease specific groups for electoral considerations. They emphasized that the decision to withdraw the case amounted to normalizing mob aggression and weakening the institutional authority of the police. Political reactions intensify Opposition parties, too, have seized the opportunity to criticize the government. Leaders have accused the Congress administration of repeatedly misusing executive power to interfere in criminal cases, often for community-specific political calculations. Critics also highlighted that the state government’s track record — from withdrawing riot cases to diluting efforts against mob violence — has raised concerns over selective application of law and systemic collapse of accountability mechanisms.
