Muzaffarnagar riots-victims stage dharna in Shahpur town

MUZAFFARNAGAR: Several riot victims, including women, staged a dharna and raised slogans in Shahpur town over delay in the arrest of those accused in the Kutba killings in Muzaffarnagar during the communal clashes last year.

The victims alleged that the accused who were found involved are roaming free even after 13 months have passed.

The accused will be arrested soon, SP (rural) Alok Priyadarshi said, adding attachment proceedings have been initiated.

Following the assurance from the SP, victims called off their dharna.

If police fails to arrest the accused, the agitation would start again, Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Manch president Gulam Mohd. Jolla said.

Eight persons including a woman, were killed and 20 people were injured during riots in Kutba village in the district last year.

The police had registered a case against 110 rioters and arrested two persons.

According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), more than 50 people were allegedly involved. A local court has already initiated attachment proceedings against the absconding accused.