Hosdurg criminal cases get quashed

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday quashed all the criminal cases registered in connection with the communal violence at Hosdurg in Kasaragod in 2012 in view of the settlement of the cases. “It appears that the issue arose sometime in 2012 and since the local people have voluntarily decided to settle their disputes, I feel that it is essential and in the interests of all persons concerned that a quietus is given to the entire dispute,” the court observed.

Justice Sunil Thomas was considering petitions filed by ten accused in the case. The prosecution case was that on April 19, 2012 the house of a person was set on fire.  The house was burnt to incite communal feelings and rumours were spread among the public which resulted in a series of incidents in which properties were damaged.

There were 13 crimes registered in the issue. The victims submitted before the court that disputes had been voluntarily and amicably settled between the parties. The Court recorded the statement and quashed the case. The cases were pending before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court - I, Hosdurg.  The complainants filed separate affidavits in each of the cases stating that they had settled the disputes and had no objection in resolving the dispute between the parties.