While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing criticism for demolishing properties of suspected rioters in its ruling states across the country, Karnataka home minister Araga Jnanendra also hinted that such a ‘strategy’ may be adopted here as well.
“We’re thinking about it,” Jnanendra said during an event at Shivamogga, adding that “Chief minister, Basavaraj Bommai, too, has said he is considering it. We should take strict action against a rioter,” according to Livehindustan.
“We will take strict action against those who think they are above the law,” the home minister told the publication.
His remarks came when he was asked about a demolition drive carried out earlier in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri, by the BJP-run New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDPC).
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has ordered a status quo on the drive and will hear the case on Thursday. The bulldozing was stopped after more than one hour of the Top Court’s order.
Communal clashes erupted between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri on Saturday.
The BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat had ordered the demolition of properties belonging to suspected rioters following communal violence. This drive has triggered widespread criticism from the opposition and civil society members.
Karnataka’s Hubbali also witnessed communal riots over a social media post. Several protesters have been arrested in connection with the case.
CM Bommai on Tuesday, said those involved in the Hubbali riots will be tried as per the existing laws, hinting that the damage caused to the public and private properties may be recovered from the rioters.
“When riots took place in Uttar Pradesh, certain action was taken according to the situation prevailing over there. We are reviewing the situation in Karnataka. We will go by our law,” Bommai told reporters in Shivamogga while replying to a query seeking clarification on the demand for a bulldozer-like punishment in the southern state.
When asked if bulldozers will be used to bring down the buildings of the alleged rioters, he said the “government will take action as per law.”
(With inputs)
