26 accused acquitted in a false case registered by the Police 10 years ago

Mumbai – 10 years after cases of assault were registered against protesters opposing the removal of the ‘Maharashtra Rajya Yellur’ board at the entrance of Yellur village in the Marathi-dominated Belgaum District, the Court has acquitted all the accused.

1. During the linguistic reorganization of the States, despite the predominance of Marathi speakers, several villages in the border region were included in Karnataka. For the past 54 years, residents of these areas have been fighting to merge with Maharashtra. Among these, Yellur, a small village at the border region, stands as a symbol of Marathi identity, marked by a board reading “Yellur, Maharashtra State.”

2. In 2014, the Karnataka Police removed this board, sparking protests from the villagers. The protesters, including elderly people, women, and children, were subjected to brutal violence by the Police, with reports of people being beaten up even while having meals. Despite being the victims, the protesters faced charges of assault filed by the Police. (When will strict action be taken against the Police responsible for this brutality ? – Editor).

3. During the Court proceedings, the Government presented various witnesses and documents. However, inconsistencies in the testimonies led to the Court acquitting all 26 accused individuals.

Editorial Perspective

Justice delayed is justice denied.