The Government's withdrawal of simple cases against students involved in agitations for and against Telangana- rejected to revoke serious cases-Kiran

Special Correspondent

All serious cases to be examined and decision taken at right time: Kiran


HYDERABAD: The Government on Monday announced the withdrawal of simple cases against students involved in agitations for and against separate Telangana but rejected the demand to revoke serious cases voiced by the Opposition and some members of the Congress.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, however, assured the Assembly that all serious cases would be examined and an appropriate decision taken at the right time.

He said the Telangana issue was yet to be resolved and there was no instance in the past of withdrawing cases before the problem was resolved. Wondering how the situation would be after December 31, he said the Government had the responsibility to protect law and order and asserted that it would do so at any cost.

Stung by remark

Stung by a remark made by TRS member T. Harish Rao, the Chief Minister said “I don't need your certificate. I was born in Hyderabad, studied in Hyderabad and am proud to be a Hyderabadi.”

After two days of failing to transact any business in the wake of the TRS stalling the proceedings on the issue, the House took up the matter after Deputy Speaker N. Manohar set aside the Question Hour, amid protests from Majlis members.

Home Minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy, who made an identical statement in both the Assembly and Legislative Council, said of the total 1,667 cases involving 8,047 persons registered in the State from December 2009 to September 2010, the Government decided to withdraw all simple cases in the interest of career prospects of youth and students. Those withdrawn include 383 cases involving 2,025 persons from courts in addition to closure of 182 cases involving 411 persons by police during the stage of investigation itself. In all, 565 cases involving 2,436 persons have been decided to be withdrawn or closed. The more serious cases would be examined on a case-by-case basis and decision taken.

Ms. Sabitha Reddy said that following representations from political parties and organisations to withdraw criminal cases, the Government took a positive view. It decided to withdraw cases based on the nature and gravity of offences which were classified into two categories.

The first category consisted of simple cases such as rasta and rail roko, making provocative statements, instigating violence, violation of prohibitory orders, insulting national leaders and attempt to commit suicide. The second category consisted of more serious cases such as damage and burning of private properties, government properties and assault on public servants, the Home Minister added.