Akhilesh govt on backfoot after exposé on Muzaffarnagar riots!!
Lucknow: Stung by the sting operations done by leading TV channels, which exposed that the Samajwadi Party government had asked the state police to go slow on the perpetrators of the riots in Muzaffarnagar and the surrounding areas, UP Minister Azam Khan has now jumped to Akhilesh Yadav government's defence.
Speaking to reporters, Azam Khan, a prominent Muslim face of the party and also the in-charge of the Muzaffarnagar district, said, "Such things aren't in my character, I would prefer dying rather than living such a life."
Denying any wrongdoing in the riots, Khan said, "If found guilty, I am ready to face any punishment."
The UP minister, however, said that he doesn’t want to give any explanation to any one on the TV exposé on Muzaffarnagar violence.
"I have nothing to do with this, don't want to give any explanations, "Azam Khan said, adding, "It is not the time to reflect on what the Government did but what should be done to restore normalcy in the area."
The Samajwadi Party government led by Akhliesh Yadav has come under Opposition attack, hours after the exposé on Muzaffarnagar riots was telecast.
The SP government, facing flak for delay in action to curb violence in riot-hit Muzaffarnagar, on Tuesday night transferred two district police officers to cover-up the issue.
The sting operation showed Budhana Inspector Rishipal and the Inspector of Fhuwana admitting that they delayed taking action to contain the violence under "political pressure".
While Budhana Inspector Rishipal was sent back to Crime Branch from where he was brought a day ago, Inspector of Fhuwana Police Station was sent to police lines, sources said.
However, the UP police later termed the transfers as routine.
Separately, a local court today issued arrest warrants against three BSP leaders, a BJP legislator and a former Congress MP, accused of making provocative speeches and inciting the mob leading to riots in the area.
Ashok Mutha Jain, DIG Saharanpur range, said, "Special teams have been formed to nab the culprits, investigation is going on in Muzaffarnagar violence case."
Reacting to the exposé, BJP said, "The sting operation showed violence was state-sponsored."
Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said, "The UP government is pursuing the agenda of vote bank politics and politics of appeasement. It must be dismissed."
"Because of SP's failure this incident happened, we demand this government be dismissed and President's Rule be imposed."
Meanwhile, police today cordoned off the UP Assembly after arrest warrant was issued against six politicians by a local court for their alleged involvement in the riots.
The six are likely to be arrested today.
Muzaffarnagar exposé: Opposition steps up attack, Azam Khan denies role
Muzaffarnagar violence: Arrest warrants against politicians
Lucknow: A local court on Wednesday issued arrest warrants against leaders of Bahujan Samajwadi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress on Monday for inciting violence in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas.
The arrest warrants have been issued against BSP leaders Qadir Rana, Jameel Ahmed and Noor Salim Rana, former Congress MP Saedduzzaman and BJP leaders Hukum Singh, Sangat Singh Som, Suresh Rana and Kunwar Bharatendu. Bharatiya Kisan Union leaders Rakesh Tikait and Naresh Tikait are also on the list.
Meanwhile, heavy security has been placed in the UP Assembly to avert any untoward incident following the issuance of arrest warrants.
Meanhile, senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said, "The UP government is pursuing the agenda of vote bank politics and politics of appeasement. It must be dismissed."
"Because of SP's failure this incident happened, we demand this government be dismissed and President's Rule be imposed."
Forty-eight people have been killed in the violence which erupted in the district between two communities. And around 40,000 people have taken refuge in more than 30 relief camps set up in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts.
The incident was sparked off when an alleged case of sexual harassment led to three youth being killed in Kawaal village on August 27.
A 'mahapanchayat' or gathering of village councils was held a few days later, which led to communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and nearby areas, forcing the government to call in the Army to control the situation.
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