UAPA Charges Slapped Against Accused in Nuh Violence Cases

Police in Nuh have slapped charges under the stringent UAPA against the accused in three cases connected to the murder of two home guards, a Bajrang Dal member, and an attack on a cyber police station that occurred six months ago.

In a significant development, the police in Nuh, Haryana, have invoked the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against the accused in three cases related to the murder of two home guards and a Bajrang Dal member, as well as an attack on a cyber police station that occurred six months ago.

Charges Added to Challan

While the UAPA charges were not included in the initial First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in connection with these cases, court documents have revealed that they were subsequently added to the challan (charge sheet) presented in court to oppose the bail petitions filed by the accused.

Deadly Clashes

The violence in Nuh erupted on July 31, 2022, when a procession organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was attacked by mobs. The clashes resulted in the deaths of six people, including two home guards and a cleric. The violence also spread to adjoining areas, including Gurugram.

UAPA Charges Surface

The imposition of UAPA charges in three FIRs came to light recently when lawyer Tahir Hussain Rupariya, who represents some of the accused, filed their bail petitions before the court. Rupariya stated that after the bail applications were filed, they received information from the court that charges under the UAPA had been imposed on two of the accused named in three FIRs, which resulted in the denial of bail.

Initial FIRs

The initial FIR in the Nuh violence incident was registered on August 1, 2022, based on a complaint filed by a police inspector. The complaint stated that the attack and stone-throwing by the mob had led to the deaths of home guards Neeraj and Gursev. The accused were initially booked under various charges, including rioting, unlawful assembly, assault, murder, and criminal conspiracy.

Additional FIRs

Another FIR was registered at the Nuh Sadar police station on August 1, 2022, by a native of Panipat. The complainant alleged that 10 men had targeted and shot dead his 22-year-old cousin, Abhishek. A third FIR pertains to an attack on the cyber police station, where the in-charge alleged that a large and agitated mob surrounded the police station and began throwing stones. The FIR claimed that the mob had expressed the intention to burn the police officials alive.

The addition of UAPA charges in the Nuh violence cases has brought the focus back on the incident and raised questions about the circumstances that led to the imposition of these stringent charges. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of the cases will be closely watched, as they have significant implications for the accused and the broader context of law and order in the region.