HYDERABAD: Even before it could wriggle out of the dust over the prohibition issue the Congress regime has been embroiled in yet another controversy its decision to drop the cases against partymen involved in the riots that broke out after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in May 1991.

The decision taken by the State Cabinet on October 29 was made public by APCC President Majji Tulsidas. He told journalists that there were strong protests from the rank and file of the party against the continuation of the cases against them.

The decision has understandably angered the Opposition parties more so the Telugu Desam. It may be recalled that during the riots two theaters of former Chief Minister N.T.Rama Rao were burnt down by a violent mob in Hyderabad and property of various other Opposition leaders were reportedly plundered by Congress workers.

The Government had constituted a one man commission of inquiry under Justice Ansari The report was submitted by the commission some time ago and is yet to be made public. Almost everywhere Congress workers and even senior leaders were accused of inciting the violence or actively taking part in it. Congress legislators were among the accused but no action was taken against them Meanwhile many Opposition parties like the TDP BJP and MCPI have condemned the decision of the Government and warned that it would encourage lawlessness in the State TDP leaders said that they would move the High Court against the decision. “The law and order situation in the State is already precarious and the Vijayabhaskara Reddy is further encouraging goondas to go berserk” they told a news conference. M.Onkar and MCPI MLA said that the decision was a green signal to Congressmen that they could do whatever they wanted to when they were in power.

During the riots which continued for many days property worth Rs 80 crore was destroyed he said. BJP State President M. Venkaiah Naidu described the move as “very dangerous” and said that it would demoralize the police department.

However Tulsidas said that only minor cases were being dropped and that genuine cases of a “serious nature” would continue to be pursued but senior police officials were not very hopeful. They also confirmed that police officials were opposed to such a decision. The BJP is also considering moving a public interest litigation petition against the decision.

This is not the first time that the Congress has taken such a decision regarding its workers involved in widespread violence. The Chenna Reddy Government had also similarly dropped criminal cases against Congressmen who were involved in the worst ever caste riots in Vijayawada and other places of coastal Andhra following the murder of Congress MLA M.V Ranga Rao. 2400cases were registered against Congress workers during TDP rule.

Article extracted from this publication >> November 20, 1992