Muzaffarnagar riots case: BJP MP Bhartendu Singh surrenders in court

Muzaffarnagar, Nov 2: BJP MP Bhartendu Singh today surrendered in a local court here in connection with a case of violating prohibitory orders and inciting communal tension and riots in Muzaffarnagar in 2013.

Appearing before the court, Singh sought cancellation of a bailable warrant issued for not appearing in the case.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Sitaram withdrew the warrant after Singh surrendered in the court and submitted a personal bond of Rs 20,000 and an undertaking that he would appear in court on November 24.

A bailable warrant was issued on October 23 against several accused in the Muzaffarnagar riots case including Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan, Bhartendu, BJP MLA Suresh Rana and Sadhvi Prachi by a local court.

According to prosecution, they are charged with offences under IPC sections 188 (violating prohibitory orders), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty) and 341 (wrongful restraint). It is alleged that they participated in Nadala Mador panchayat meeting and violated prohibitory orders and incited violence through their speeches on August 30, 2013.

The communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas had claimed 60 lives and over 40,000 people were displaced.

PTI