Muzaffarnagar Riots: Khap Mahapanchayat to seek CBI probe

Muzaffarnagar: The Khap Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar have decided to start a movement seeking CBI inquiry into riot cases, instead of an SIT probe.

Addressing a Mahapanchayat in Phugana village, Ghatwala Khap council head, Harkishan Singh Malik, said the movement would be started soon and we will not allow police to make any arrests in connection with riots. Another meeting would be held inHaryana to decide the further cause of action.

The Mahapanchayat was attended by All Khap Council Secretary Subhash Baliyan, Ghathwala Khap Council Head of Haryana Baljit Singh, Balyan Khap Council Head Naresh Tikait, Battisa Khap head Surajmal and Latiyan Khap head Virender Singh.

Meanwhile, Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Manch President, Ghulam Mohammed Joula, demanded immediate arrest of gang rape accused to ensure swift justice to the victims.

“If police failed to arrest the accused till February 28, our organisation would start protesting from March to press their demands,” Joula announced after the Manch's meeting in Budhan town on Sunday.

The court has already issued non-bailable warrants against 349 people and proceedings have been initiated against 108 people, who are absconding.

Six cases of gang rape were registered against 27 people during riots, out of which 22 are found guilty. One of the guilty named Vedpal has been arrested, however, 21 others are still absconding, but court proceedings have been initiated against them.

Over 60 persons were killed and more than 40,000 displaced in the communal violence that broke out in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas in September last year.