Bangalore Riots: Karnataka HC issues notice in pleas seeking transfer of investigation to NIA, asks State on steps taken so far

The Karnataka High Court today issued notice in pleas filed in connection with the crimes that took place during the Bangalore Riots on August 11..The order was passed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Ashok S Kinagi. .The first petition moved by Advocate Amruthesh seeks to invoke the provisions of the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against accused persons in the Bangalore Riots. .The plea also seeks the transfer of the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)..Amruthesh also questioned the three-day delay by MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy in filing a complaint with the police, and further sought directions for compensation and medical facilities to the injured police personnel..The second plea, filed by Shridhar Prabhu, seeks a transfer of the investigation to the NIA or any other Central investigation agency, given that a large number of police officers had been injured during the violence..The Court directed the state government to place on record the steps that it has taken with regard to the investigation into the riots. The State was instructed to submit a report in a sealed envelope, on the next date of hearing..With respect to appointment of a Claims Commissioner to determine compensation for property damaged during the riots, the Bench stated that the Court’s Registry was in touch with two recently retired judges of the High Court – Justices PGM Patil and KN Phaneendra - to seek their consent..The matter will be next heard on August 28. .Bangalore Riots: State government moves Karnataka HC seeking appointment of Claims Commissioner to assess damage caused to property.The first petition filed by the state government claimed that on August 11, a mob of around 300 people had gathered near DJ Halli Police Station in East Bangalore, protesting against an allegedly derogatory Facebook comment on Prophet Mohammed posted by one P Naveen, nephew of Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy..The mob proceeded to gather outside the residence of Murthy and caused extensive damage to his house and property..Bangalore Riots: Names will go viral; may offend Right of Privacy, Karnataka HC rejects plea seeking publication of names of accused.It was further submitted that the mob also set fire to police vehicles and attacked police personnel of DJ Halli and KG Halli police stations. The mob also pelted stones and attacked police personnel with deadly weapons, injuring more than 80 cops, the plea states..[Read order]