Anti-CAA Stir: Over 100 'Rioters' Get Notice For Damaging Public Property in Uttar Pradesh During Protests Against Citizenship Amendment Act
The Uttar Pradesh government has sent notices to over 100 people who were allegedly involved in vandalising public properties during a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on December 20-21.
Lucknow, December 25: The Uttar Pradesh government has sent notices to over 100 people who were allegedly involved in vandalising public properties during a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on December 20-21. The Rampur administration issued notices to 28 people on Tuesday, while 33 people allegedly involved in violence recieved notices in Gorakhpur. The Bijnor administration identified 43 people who were allegedly vandalised public properties during the anti-CAA stir and issued notices to them. Why Citizenship Amendment Act+NRC Raise Fear And Concerns: A Multi-Dimensional Take.
The state administration has asked alleged rioters to explain their position or pay for damage caused to public and private property. In Rampur, the district administration has sought recovery of Rs 25 lakh from 28 people for the damage caused to public property during the anti-CAA agitation. "They have been given seven days’ time to respond why action should not be taken against them, failing which, proceedings will be initiated to recover money from them," District Magistrate Rampur Aunjaneya Singh told PTI. Amit Shah Interview: NRC, NPR Not Connected.
Several locals and policemen were injured, and six vehicles, including a police motorcycle, were set on fire when violence broke out during an anti-CAA protest in Rampur, according to police. A 22-year-old man also died of a bullet injury in the violence. Gorakhpur police too have sent notices to 33 people allegedly involved in violence during an anti-CAA protest in Gorakhpur on December 20. Police also released pictures of alleged rioters and announced rewards for those giving information about them. Shiv Sena MP Hemant Patil Goes Against Party Line, Endorses CAA And NRC.
"The accused persons have been asked to reach police station through notice to clear their stand by Thursday. In case they failed to appear, their property may be attached," CO (Kotwali) VP Singh was quoted as saying. In Bijnor, the district administration issued notices to 43 people who allegedly vandalised public and private properties. "Actions are being taken and will be taken only on the basis of strong evidence. I want to assure that no action will be taken against those who were not involved," DM Ramakant Pandey told ANI.
Earlier, the state government sealed more than 67 shops of alleged "rioters" in Muzaffarnagar. As many as 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh witnessed violence during protests against the CAA which grants citizenship to immigrants fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh but not if they are Muslims. Violence mainly broke out when police stopped people from taking out processions against the CAA. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath allegedly vowed to take "revenge" from those involved in violence.
"There has been violence and public and private property has been destroyed in several districts in the state and we will deal with it strictly. All properties of those involved in damaging public assets will be seized and auctioned to compensate for the losses," Adityanath had said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 25, 2019 08:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).