Several BJP leaders, including UP minister Kapil Dev Agrawal, surrendered to a special court in a 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case after non-bailable warrants were issued. While the warrants were recalled, the court set a November 16 date to frame charges. However, Yati Narsinghanand failed to appear, leading to a renewed warrant. Over 60 people were killed in the riots.
Muzaffarnagar: In a significant development, several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Uttar Pradesh minister Kapil Dev Agrawal, surrendered before a special court in connection with the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case on Tuesday. This move follows the issuance of non-bailable warrants on October 21 against those who failed to appear in court as required.
The MP-MLA court’s Special Judge Devendra Faujdar had previously issued warrants for several accused leaders, including Agrawal, for non-appearance. Following their surrender, the court recalled the warrants and scheduled the next hearing for November 16, when charges will be formally framed against the accused. However, Yati Narsinghanand, the controversial head priest of Dasna Devi temple in Ghaziabad, did not attend Tuesday’s proceedings, leading to a reissue of the non-bailable warrant for his arrest. The court ordered that all accused must attend the next hearing.
Key Political Figures Named in the Case
In addition to Kapil Dev Agrawal, other prominent political figures face charges related to the riots. Among those appearing were former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sadhvi Prachi, former Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Rana, former BJP MP Bhartendu Singh, and former BJP MLAs Umesh Malik and Ashok Kansal. Prosecution Officer Niraj Singh confirmed that a total of 20 individuals are involved in this case, with serious charges filed against each.
Legal Charges and Accusations
The accused face multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), reflecting the gravity of the alleged actions leading up to the riots. These charges include:
- Section 188: Disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
- Section 353: Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty.
- Section 341: Wrongful restraint.
- Section 153A: Promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., or committing acts that disrupt public harmony.
According to the prosecution, the accused took part in a panchayat meeting held in Naglamador village in August 2013, where speeches were made inciting violence and violating prohibitory orders. These actions are alleged to have contributed to the outbreak of communal violence that tragically resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people and the displacement of over 40,000 individuals across Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts in Uttar Pradesh.
Background: The 2013 Muzaffarnagar Riots
The Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013 remain one of the most severe instances of communal violence in recent Uttar Pradesh history. Sparked by escalating tensions between communities, the riots led to significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and a legacy of communal tension that impacted the region deeply. The ongoing case reflects the judiciary’s effort to seek accountability for events that resulted in extensive human and economic costs to affected communities.
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Legal Proceedings and Political Repercussions
The recent surrender of BJP leaders, coupled with the reissuance of a warrant against Narsinghanand, places the spotlight back on the Muzaffarnagar case as it enters a critical phase. With charges scheduled to be framed in mid-November, the political and legal ramifications of this case continue to resonate, especially as these figures include current and former officeholders with significant influence.
Conclusion: Awaiting Justice for a Decade-Old Incident
As the case proceeds, the November 16 hearing will be closely watched to see if formal charges are successfully framed and whether all accused, including Narsinghanand, appear before the court. For the victims and families impacted by the 2013 riots, this case represents a step toward accountability, with the legal process serving as a potential pathway to justice after a long-standing wait.
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