Three convicted in 2020 Bengaluru riots case, sentenced to seven years

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court convicts three individuals for their involvement in the violent DJ Halli-KG Halli riots of August 2020, which resulted in three deaths and injuries to over 50 people, including civilians, journalists, and police personnel.

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The convicts—Syed Ikramuddin alias Syed Naveed (49), Syed Asif (51), and Mohammed Atif (31)—all residents of KG Halli, had pleaded guilty earlier this month. The court sentenced them to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹36,000 each. Having been in judicial custody since their arrest in August 2020, their time served will be considered part of the sentence, leaving them with two more years to complete.

The riots broke out on the night of August 11, 2020, following a provocative social media post allegedly shared by a relative of then Pulakeshinagar MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy. In the ensuing mob violence, parts of the MLA’s residence and the KG Halli police station were set ablaze. Police opened fire to control the situation, resulting in three fatalities.

Initially handled by Bengaluru police, the case was later handed over to the NIA. A total of 199 people were named, with 187 arrests and 138 individuals eventually charge-sheeted. One accused died during the proceedings. The trial for the remaining accused continues in the special court.