Days after communal violence in Saharanpur claimed the lives of three people and left 33 others injured, the main accused for the riots has been arrested. Muharram Ali Pappu was arrested on Wednesday and booked under the National Security Act.
Earlier in the day, a six-member BJP team visited the riot-hit areas of the city and accused the district administration of failing to act against those who instigated the violence. “The city, known for its wood work and communal harmony, has to pay the price due to the failure of the district administration and the government in handling the situation,” said MLA Suresh Rana, a member of the delegation.
He also alleged the rioters created mayhem, burnt shops and destroyed properties under the nose of police and the administration. The Uttar Pradesh BJP delegation also met family of the slain trade union leader Harish Kochar and also went to the shops burnt during the clashes.
Rana attacked the UP government alleging over 150 riots have taken place so far in the state and rioters are being shielded by the ruling party.
Trouble began when members of one community started construction work at the site in Kutubsher area in the early hours on Saturday, which was objected to by the other group. Both the sides indulged in heavy brick-batting, arson and opened fire, police said.