Muzaffarnagar riots: SIT asked to complete probe in 45 days

MUZAFFARNAGAR: The SIT, probing the Muzaffarnagar riots, has been directed by the Inspector General of Meerut Zone to complete its investigation within next 45 days.

Inspector general of Police, Meerut zone, Alok Sharma, has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to complete its investigation in all riots cases within a 45-day period, as one year has been passed since the starting of the probe.

Action against riots accused who did not present themselves in court may be taken under provision of section 172 (absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding) of the IPC, he said.

In a meeting with SIT officials here last evening, the IGP expressed concern over delay in arrest of riot accused.

Meanwhile, Additional SP of SIT, Manoj Jha said that investigation in only 131 cases is pending and that 1,540 accused were found involved in which more than 800 accused have been arrested while 750 were absconding.

58 police inspectors and sub inspectors and two additional SPs of SIT have been deputed to probe the riots cases here, he said.

Clean chit has been given to 3,094 people in different riots cases, Jha said.

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