Saharanpur riots: BJP MP named in probe report

Meerut, Aug 17: A five-member committee on Sunday submitted its

on the causes of the communal violence in

in Uttar Pradesh last month to the state's Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

While the panel blamed the local administration for failing to bring the riots under control in the initial stage, it also accused local BJP MP Raghav Lakhanpal of inciting communal hatred in the area.

The riots led to loss of nearly Rs 250 crore to the city. Industry body Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry said micro, small and medium enterprises suffered losses to the tune of Rs 25 crore while marginal workers faced a wage loss of about Rs 18 crore.

The panel also accused the local administration of failing to control the riot

Trouble began in Saharanpur when members of one community started construction work in Kutubsher area. Another community objected to it and soon the row started snowballing. Both communities began pelting stones at each other and then shops were burnt down.

The police then intervened and fired rubber bullets to control the mobs on the rampage. Additional forces were also deployed from the PAC, RAF, CRPF and ITPB to control the situation.

Subsequently, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered a high-level inquiry into the violence. Senior state minister Shivpal Yadav led the probe.

Oneindia News