Muzaffarnagar: The local special court in Muzaffarnagar has approved the appeal to drop cases against the 12 top BJP leaders accused in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. The BJP’s Yogi Government has appealed for the withdrawal of cases against 12 BJP leaders, including Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Rana, BJP MLA Sangeet Som, former BJP MP Bhartendu Singh, and VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi, who were accused of propagating violence.
The local court, which oversaw the Yogi Government’s appeal granted permission to withdraw the cases. Local Special Court Judge, Ram Sudh Singh allowed the government lawyer to withdraw the case on Friday.
District Attorney Rajeev Sharma said, “All these charges have been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for illegally restraining government employees from performing their duties and performing duties.”
In the last week of August 2013, the charged leaders were accused of illegally joining the Mahapanchayat, delivering communal speeches, and causing the riots. However, citing reasons pointing to the public interest, the Uttar Pradesh state government has decided not to pursue these cases against BJP leaders. In this context, the Yogi government had submitted an appeal to the court seeking permission for the withdrawal of cases against the accused in question.
At least 62 people were killed in communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and its neighbouring districts in 2013. Of those, 42 were Muslims. Out of fear of violence unleashed by the Sangh Parivar, more than 50 thousand Muslims had become displaced.
The people have expressed outrage over the court’s decision. Social activist Asif Khan tweeted, “This is the reality of “Secular Democratic India”. Cases withdrawn against Hindu leaders who were accused in Muzaffarnagar Anti-Muslim violence”, he said.