Special MP-MLA court frames charges against 19 individuals including Sadhvi Prachi and Swami Yeti Narasimhanand
Team Clarion
MUZAFFARNAGAR — A special MP-MLA court on Friday framed charges against several BJP leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal, former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan, former UP minister Suresh Rana, Samajwadi Party MP Harender Malik, VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi, controversial Hindu priest Swami Yeti Narasimhanand, and others in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots-related case.
Special MP-MLA court judge Devender Singh Fauzdar framed charges against 19 accused. The charges stem from a controversial panchayat held in Nagla Mandur village on August 31, 2013, during which inflammatory speeches were allegedly made, leading to the riots in western Uttar Pradesh.
The case, which has been ongoing for several years, was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), and 7 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) (punishment for public mischief). These charges relate to accusations that the accused played a role in inciting communal violence, which led to widespread disturbances in the region.
In addition to several politicians and Hindutva protagonists, some local figures have also been implicated for their alleged involvement in the events that led to the riots.
The events which led to the Muzaffarnagar riots began with the Nagla Mandur village panchayat. During the gathering, inflammatory speeches were reportedly made, which allegedly fuelled tensions between communities in the region. Following the incident, local authorities took action and filed a case against 21 individuals at the Sukheda police station.
Since then, the case has been under investigation and hearing in the district MP/MLA court. The 19 individuals now facing charges were implicated in the incitement of the riots and the subsequent violence that followed.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for January 30 when testimonies are expected to begin. The court’s decision to frame charges comes after the accused appeared in court for the proceedings.
Lawyer Shyambir Singh, who is representing some of the accused, provided details about the legal process, stating that charges are only framed when all parties involved are present. He also mentioned that the case will now move forward with the testimony phase, where evidence and witness accounts will be presented in court.
The testimonies of several key witnesses, including ADM (Additional District Magistrate), are expected to be crucial in determining the outcome of the case. Singh confirmed that the date for witness testimonies has now been fixed.
The framing of charges in the case has sparked widespread political reactions. Several of the accused, including Kapil Dev Agarwal and Sanjeev Balyan, hold significant political positions in Uttar Pradesh. The case is expected to have a substantial impact on their political futures, as it brings the issue of communal violence to the forefront.
Additionally, the involvement of high-profile religious leaders like Sadhvi Prachi and Yeti Narasimhanand has further intensified the political and social dimensions of the case. These leaders, associated with right-wing Hindu organisations, have been accused of using provocative language that allegedly escalated the violence in Muzaffarnagar.
The charges framed in this case are a reminder of the deep divisions that persist in the region and the ongoing challenges of ensuring communal harmony and justice. As the trial progresses, it will be closely watched by both political observers and the public.
The Muzaffarnagar riots case, which has been under legal scrutiny for several years, has reached a critical juncture with the framing of charges. The outcome of the case will be significant not only for the accused but also for the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.
