3 accused in DJ Halli-KG Halli riots case sentenced to 7 years in jail

BENGALURU: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Bengaluru has recently sentenced three accused to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹36,000 each after they pleaded guilty in the August 11, 2020, riots in DJ Halli and KG Halli and setting fire to the DJ Halli police station.

Syed Ikramuddin alias Syed Naveed, Syed Atif and Mohammed Atif were sentenced by NIA Special Court judge Kemparaju after they confessed to their involvement in the riots. Syed Ikramuddin, Syed Atif and Mohammed Atif were the 14th, 16th and 18th accused, respectively. The trial of the rest is yet to begin.

There were a total of 199 accused in the case, 187 of whom were arrested. Four surrendered themselves and one died. The prosecution has filed a charge sheet against 138 people. Twelve police vehicles and one private vehicle were damaged in the incident, out of which one Toyota Innova car, five two-wheelers, and the six other vehicles were damaged.

Around 9 pm on August 11, 2020, 25-30 people gathered in front of the DJ Halli police station, demanding that the then MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy’s relative, Naveen, be immediately arrested for a derogatory post on social media against Prophet Mohammed. The protest was led by Syed Ikramuddin.

As the protesters insisted on registering a case and making immediate arrests, the police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC to control the situation. The angry mob attacked and started a riot. (ANI)