Muzaffarnagar riots: Cops to increase reward on absconding accused

MUZAFFARNAGAR: The Uttar Pradesh police today said that it has decided to double the cash reward on the one remaining accused in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots who continues to be absconding.

"All those accused to have been involved in the riots have been arrested except one. Harender Singh, who is presently carrying a cash reward of Rs 5000 on him, is still absconding," SP (Rural) Alok Priyadarshi said.

The police have recommended to increase the cash reward to Rs 10,000 for information on the whereabouts of Harender, the SP said, adding that the court has initiated attachment proceedings against him.

Police have arrested 1,481 people out of 1,482 indicted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for their alleged involvement in the riots, Priyadarshi said.

More than 60 people were killed and 40,000 displaced during riots in Muzaffarnagar district and neighbouring areas in September, 2013.