NIA to investigate two Bengaluru riots cases

The investigation in two cases pertaining to the recent riots in KG Halli and DJ Halli is likely to be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The counsel representing the NIA informed this to the High Court of Karnataka.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka was hearing a batch of petitions filed in connection with the riots in the city.

Prasanna Kumar, Special Public Prosecutor for NIA, told the court that he has been orally instructed that the Union government is likely to transfer the two cases in which the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) 1967 was invoked. The Union government has time till September 18 to pass an order in this regard.

The state had sent a report to the Union government on September 3 about the registration of cases under the UAPA Act, as per the requirement under the NIA Act. The bench adjourned the hearing to September 21, directing to place the government order transferring the investigation.

Earlier, during the hearing, Advocate General (AG) Prabhuling K Navadgi informed the court that a nodal officer has been appointed to ensure infrastructure and other facilities to the Claims Commissioner, appointed to fix liability on the damages caused to private and public properties. The AG also submitted that the order appointing Justice H S Kempanna, retired high court judge, as the Claims Commissioner was issued on September 5.