Govt to challenge bails to riot accused

Amidst all out efforts by political outfits to polarise the elections in Western Uttar Pradesh, state government made a fresh political move to challenge the bails of accused involved in recent Muzaffarnagar riots.

Government has reportedly moved an application in Allahabad High Court for cancellation of the bails of the riot accused. The move would invite ire of the Opposition parties as it was made just ahead of crucial first phase lok Sabha polls. In a sudden move which smacked of political motives, Samajwadi Party’s government, moved the HC seeking  cancellation of bails of all the riot accused given by different courts. The application was said to be moved in the end of last week. At least three prominent leaders including BJP's Hukum  singh from Kairana, Bhartendu Singh from Bijnor and BSP's Qadir Rana from Muzzafarnagar, accused of instigating the riots, are in the fray in the first phase of lok Sabha polls and the move could hamper their prospect in the elections.

The campaigning in the region, however, ended on Tuesday evening while the polling in Muzaffarnagar and other nine seats will be held on April 10.A senior official of the State government on Tuesday confirmed the move of the government. However government's argument is that this step has been initiated after Supreme court's recent strict observation on Muzzafarnagar riots. Sources say petition had been moved against at least 50 accused in Allahabad High Court, seeking rejection of Bail orders passed by district courts.

Around 400 people including some big politicians were arrested in connection with riots which claimed 60 lives and displaced over 55000 people of the area. Out of the total accused arrested in connection with riots, about 190 got bail and released. This included Bhartendu Singh, Sangeet Som, Suresh Rana and Qadir Rana.  BJP leaders 

Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana were also slapped with national Security Act but it was disapproved by the High Court.