Muzaffarnagar: A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar has acquitted 37 accused in a case linked to the killing of eight Muslims during the 2013 communal riots. The verdict came after the court found insufficient evidence to establish the charges.
Additional District Sessions Judge Manjula Bhalotia ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. The trial took place in the court of the Additional District and Sessions Judge Court No. 1. According to defence lawyer Ajay Sehrawat, the prosecution presented more than 30 witnesses during the proceedings.
The case originated from a complaint filed by a Muslim resident, Imran, who accused 110 individuals of attacking Muslim homes in Kutba village on September 8, 2013. He alleged that a mob armed with sharp weapons set houses on fire and looted property.
Eight people lost their lives in the violence. They were identified as Waheed, Shamshad, Irshad, Tarabu, Qayyum, Fayaz, Khatoon and Momin.
The 2013 riots in Muzaffarnagar followed alleged inflammatory speeches by political leaders, including Suresh Rana, Sangeet Som and Bharatendra Singh. The unrest left at least 60 people dead and displaced thousands of Muslim families. Reports of sexual harassment also emerged from Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts.
After an investigation by a Special Investigation Team, authorities filed a charge sheet naming 45 accused. Separate cases were heard together in court.
The acquittal has brought renewed focus on the challenges of securing convictions in riot related cases and the need for strong evidence collection.
