Muzaffarnagar: Non-bailable warrants against former Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan, VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi, BJP MLA Umesh Malik and two other persons were issued after they failed to appear in the court. The court was hearing 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case.
According to the report published in Indian Express, Mr. Ankur Sharma, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate issued these warrants and directed them to appear in the court on 22nd June.
It may be mentioned that the other accused persons in the case, Bijnor MP Bhartendu Singh, UP Minister Suresh Rana, and MLA Sangeet Som were also absent in the court yesterday. However, as per the prosecution, the court had exempted them from personal appearance.
Violating prohibitory orders, deterring public servants from discharging their duties and wrongful restraint are the charges leveled against the accused.
It may be noted that Muzaffarnagar riots took place in the months of August and September 2013. During these riots, more than 60 persons lost their lives and around 40,000 people were displaced.