Muzaffarnagar riots: SIT completes probe of 503 out of 510 cases

MUZAFFARNAGAR: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots has completed the investigation of 503 out of the 510 cases.

We have completed the probe of 503 cases registered against the Muzaffarnagar riots, Additional SP (SIT), Vinod Kumar Pandey told reporters here today.

The seven remaining cases, including the one against BJP MLA Sangit Som, accused of uploading a video which reportedly sparked communal tension in the district, are yet to be investigated upon, he said.

We have not received the technical reports concerning the remaining cases thus the delay, Pandey said.

Elaborating further, he said that the SIT had sought report from the Facebook, headquartered in the US, regarding the video uploaded by the BJP MLA.

More than 1,481 people found involved in the riots were arrested during the course of the investigation, police said.

Over 60 persons were killed and more than 40,000 displaced in communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas in September, 2013.

Meanwhile, the inquiry commission probing the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots said that it is yet to submit the final report to the administration.

Though the report is being made, we are yet to add finishing touch to it, Daleep Kumar, secretary of the commission said today.

The report would be submitted to the Governor in the first week of october, he said.

The Uttar Pradesh government has recently extended the tenure of the commission from August 8 till October 8.

The body has recorded statements of more than 476 people including hundreds of officers in connection with the riots.