Muzaffarnagar Riots Case: Court Acquits 22 Accused in 2013 Murder Due to Lack of Evidence
In a significant development, a local court in Agra has acquitted 22 individuals accused in a high-profile case stemming from the deadly 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. The verdict, delivered on Saturday, cited a critical "lack of evidence" as the prosecution failed to establish the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is one of many related to the communal violence that rocked Uttar Pradesh over a decade ago, resulting in numerous fatalities and mass displacement.
Details of the Case and Court's Ruling
The case centered on the killing of Raisuddin, a 40-year-old resident, during the riots in Mohammadpur Raisingh village. According to court documents, Raisuddin was murdered with sharp-edged objects amid the widespread violence, which is considered one of the worst recorded incidents in Uttar Pradesh's history. The prosecution had alleged that a large mob went on a rampage in the village, setting houses ablaze, vandalizing a mosque, and attacking police personnel deployed at the scene.
During the trial, the court observed that the prosecution could not substantiate the charges, leading to the acquittal of all 22 accused, who are all residents of Mohammadpur Raisingh. Additionally, four other accused died during the lengthy trial process, further complicating the proceedings. The defense counsel, Satyendra Kumar Singh, highlighted that the initial FIR was lodged by Sub-Inspector Ganga Prasad on September 8, 2013, under multiple IPC sections, including Section 302 for murder. The FIR claimed that a large number of people attacked the locality, with motorcycles belonging to the SI and a constable allegedly set on fire, destroying bail and other official papers.
Background of the Muzaffarnagar Riots
The communal riots in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts erupted in late August 2013, following a series of tragic events. It began with the stabbing death of Shahnawaz, a 25-year-old, in Kawal village on August 27, allegedly by eight men during a clash. In retaliation, a mob caught two of the alleged attackers, Sachin and Gaurav, and killed them. This chain of events triggered widespread violence, resulting in at least 62 deaths and displacing over 50,000 people, marking a dark chapter in the region's history.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Initially, police registered the case against 45 accused. After a thorough investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a chargesheet against 26 individuals. All related FIRs were consolidated and tried as a single case before the local court to streamline the judicial process. Over the years, this case has seen multiple twists, with several accused being acquitted in past rulings, largely due to similar issues with evidence.
Impact and Broader Context
This acquittal underscores the challenges in prosecuting riot-related cases, where evidence can be difficult to gather and present convincingly in court. It also reflects a pattern in the Muzaffarnagar riots litigation, where many cases have resulted in acquittals, raising questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing such communal violence. The verdict has reignited discussions on justice and accountability for the victims and their families, who have waited over a decade for closure.
As the legal battles continue, this case serves as a reminder of the long-lasting effects of the 2013 riots on the communities involved. The acquittal of the 22 accused highlights the need for robust evidence collection and thorough investigations to ensure that justice is served in future cases of communal strife.
