Warrant against UP minister, BJP MLAs in Muzaffarnagar riots case

Non-bailable warrants have been issued by a local court in Uttar Pradesh against UP minister Suresh Rana, former union minister Sanjiv Balyan, BJP Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) Sangeet Som and Umesh Malik and others in connection with a 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

The accused allegedly participated in a mahapanchyat (huge gathering) in the last week of August 2013 and incited violence through their speeches.

They are also facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, deterring public servants from discharging their duties and wrongful restraint.

The warrants were issued after taking permission from the state government to prosecute them.

The fresh non bailable warrants were issued on Friday by additional chief judicial magistrate Madhu Gupta.

The accused have been asked the accused to appear in court on January 19, 2018, officials of Special Investigation Team (SIT) said.

The SIT had sought permission from the UP government to prosecute the accused under Section 153A of IPC for allegedly making hate speeches and were granted permission by the state government, the officials said.

The communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas in August and September 2013 had claimed more than 60 lives and displaced over 40,000 people.

(With inputs from PTI)