Riots case: Bailable warrant against Union minister, BJP leaders

Muzaffarnagar: A bailable warrant has been issued against Muzaffarnagar riot accused including Union Minister Sanjeev Baliyan, BJP MP Bhartendu Singh, party MLA Suresh Rana and Sadhvi Prachi by a local court for not appearing before it in a case of violating prohibitory orders and inciting communal tension by making speeches.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Sitaram yesterday issued bailable warrant against Minister of State for Agriculture Baliyan, Singh, Rana, Prachi, BJP local leader Umesh Malik, ex-Block Head Virendra Singh, Chairman of a local cooperative society Shyampal amog others and asked them to appear in court on November 2.

Hearing is getting delayed due to the non-appearance of the accused, the ACJM said.

According to prosecution, these accused are facing charges under IPC sections 188 (violating prohibitory orders), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty) and 341 (wrongful restraint).

It is alleged that they participated in Nadala Mador panchayat meeting and violated prohibitory orders and incited violence through their speeches on August 30, 2013.

The communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas had claimed 60 lives and over 40,000 people were displaced.