Police File Case Against Student Leader Over Violent Job Aspirants' Protest in Dharwad
In a significant development following the massive protest by job aspirants in Dharwad on February 24, the Hubballi–Dharwad police have officially registered a case against Akhila Karnataka State Students' Association (AKSA) president Kanthkumar and several other individuals. The charges stem from multiple violations of protest regulations that occurred during the demonstration, which saw substantial participation from unemployed youth demanding employment opportunities.
Multiple Violations Reported at Key Locations
According to Hubballi–Dharwad police commissioner N Shashikumar, the violations were concentrated at two primary locations: Sarvamangala Hospital Circle (near Lingayat Bhavan) and Jubilee Circle. At these sites, protesters engaged in direct clashes with police personnel, actively obstructing them from performing their official duties. The confrontation escalated to the point where law enforcement faced significant challenges in maintaining public order.
Commissioner Shashikumar elaborated that the protesters deliberately deviated from the designated protest route that had been previously communicated to authorities. This unauthorized deviation led to a complete road blockade at Jubilee Circle, causing substantial disruption to normal traffic flow and creating public inconvenience throughout the affected areas.
Lack of Proper Authorization for Protest
A critical aspect of the case revolves around the organization's failure to obtain proper police permission for holding the protest on February 24. While the BJP had secured official authorization for a separate protest event scheduled for the same day, the AKSA-led demonstration proceeded without the necessary legal clearance. This procedural violation forms a substantial part of the charges being brought against the student leaders.
Comprehensive Technical Investigation Underway
Police authorities have initiated a thorough technical investigation into the incident, examining footage from multiple surveillance sources. A specialized technical team is currently analyzing video evidence collected from:
- Five drone cameras deployed during the protest
- Twenty dedicated video cameras operated by police personnel
- Numerous CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations throughout the protest route
A senior police official confirmed that the technical team is meticulously collecting additional details and evidence to build a comprehensive case against the accused individuals. The examination of this extensive visual documentation aims to identify specific individuals involved in the violations and document the sequence of events with precision.
The case represents a significant enforcement action by Dharwad police against protest-related violations, particularly those involving student organizations and employment-related demonstrations. As unemployment continues to be a pressing concern among Karnataka's youth, authorities are emphasizing the importance of maintaining lawful protest procedures while addressing legitimate grievances.
