No arrests yet despite warrants against BJP, BSP, Congress leaders

A local court, while disposing off the matter regarding cases registered in connection with the week-long violence that resulted in 48 dead and over 40,000 displaced, issued NBW against BSP MP Qadir Rana, BSP MLAs Jameel Ahmed and Noor Salim Rana, former Congress MP Saedduzzaman and BJP MLAs Sangeet Singh Som, Kunwar Bharatendu and Bharatiya Kisan Union leaders Rakesh Tikait and Naresh Tikait. 

They are wanted for violating prohibitory orders and provoking communal tension by making inflammatory speeches at different meetings (mahapanchayats) in this district.

 Two courts issued the arrest warrants separately against eight people, each on two incidents. The police had issued chargesheet against four BJP legislators but NBW was released against just two. ADG (law and order) Arun Kumar said that action would be taken against the culprits and they would be arrested very soon. Sources said 10 police teams have fanned out across the state to arrest those against whom warrants have been issued.

Meanwhile, there was high drama outside Vidhan Sabha gates in Lucknow, when police came to arrest four BJP legislators wanted in riots case. As soon as four lawmakers namely Hukum Singh, Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana approached the Assembly gates, the party workers gheraoed them and took them to the party headquarters across the road raising slogans.

Kunwar Bhratendu did not attend the House on Wednesday. ‘Bhartendu is not absconding. He did not come to Lucknow today but would be here tomorrow,’ one of the riot accused Sangeet Som said, adding that they are not afraid of being arrested.

‘We are not evading arrest. We are ready to face any consequence. We have not committed any crime. The persons who have committed crime are in Akhilesh government. They should be arrested first,’ he said.

Another riot accused Suresh Rana questioned as why Azam Khan, who is the minister in-charge of Muzaffarnagar, did not visit the violence hit areas. ‘He gave direction on phone which was heard by people of this country through a sting operation. He should be first arrested and sent to jail,’ he said.