Belagavi dispute: Will withdraw Pocso case against KSRTC conductor, says girl’s family

Belagavi Police Commissioner Ada Martin confirmed the development but said that the legal process to withdraw the case had not yet begun. “The victim’s family must officially record their statement at the police station. Certain legal procedures must be followed before the case can be closed,” he said.

The controversy erupted after Hukkeri was allegedly assaulted after he got into an argument with two students returning home from college. He requested them to communicate in Kannada saying he did not understand Marathi and this led to the argument escalating.

The case took a political turn when pro-Marathi groups alleged that Hukkeri had refused to respond in Marathi. Last Friday, four people were arrested for allegedly assaulting the conductor over the language dispute. This incident, coupled with the Pocso case, intensified tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra. Both states suspended interstate bus services, protesters on both sides pelted stones at buses, defaced drivers and conductors, and staged demonstrations.

In response, the North West Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation suspended bus services to Maharashtra from Bagalkot and Vijayapura districts starting Tuesday. Services from Belagavi, which had been halted on Saturday, remain suspended.

As the case gained traction, authorities took disciplinary action. A police inspector at the jurisdictional police station was transferred for failing to report the Pocso case to higher officials.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara weighed in on the matter, confirming on Tuesday that he had ordered a review of the case and sought a report from the zonal inspector general of police and the superintendent of police. “A Pocso case was registered, and I have asked for a detailed report,” he stated.

Regarding the ongoing protests, Parameshwara affirmed that Kannada organisations had been permitted to demonstrate but warned against violence. “Protests are allowed, but if they turn violent, strict action will be taken. Currently, Maharashtra government buses are not entering Karnataka, and Karnataka buses are not operating in Maharashtra. Services will resume once the situation stabilises.”