UP riots: Is govt trying to withdraw cases against Muslim leaders?

A controversy erupted on Monday over reported moves by the Uttar Pradesh government to withdraw cases against Muslim leaders in connection with Muzaffarnagar riots even as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said only some information has been sought and this did not mean cases were being dropped.

"This is neither the decision of Samajwadi Party nor ours. Law department has sought some information. Seeking information does not mean withdrawing the cases. I will get information that what information has been sought," Akhilesh told reporters when asked to comment on reports that Uttar Pradesh government was preparing to withdraw cases against Muslim leaders.

Special Secretary (Law) Rangnath Pandey had on December 20 written a letter to Muzaffarnagar district magistrate regarding withdrawal of cases against BSP MP Kadir Rana and others who are accused of inciting violence by allegedly delivering hate speeches during the riots.

He had sought opinion of the DM and the superintendent of police in this regard.

The comments by Akhilesh came even as official sources in Muzaffarnagar said the district authorities are yet to send a report on any withdrawal of case against Muslim leaders for allegedly inciting violence by making inflammatory speeches at a Muslim panchayat at Khala Par on August 30.

The sources said the district authorities would send their report to the law department on 13 points regarding the cases after two days.

The district magistrate has sought a report from SSP and prosecution officer, the sources said. After getting the report, the DM would sent his report to the government.

The prosecution department has said in its report that there is no case pending in court in connection with the alleged inflammatory speeches, the sources said, adding that a charge sheet has not been filed in a court.

The case is being probed by a Special Investigation Team in Lucknow. At this stage, there is no question of withdrawing the cases from the court, the sources said.

The sources said the state government may directly take a decision to withdraw the cases and there is no need for court's permission.

Image: UP CM Akhilesh Yadav