SC notice to Madhya Pradesh government over Harda riot

The Supreme Court Tuesday issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh government on a petition seeking a CBI probe into the alleged role of former minister Kamal Patel and others in the communal riot that took place in Harda district in the run-up to the 2013 assembly election.

The apex court bench of Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justice A.K. Sikri issued the notice as counsel Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner Anurag Modi, told the court that the riot was stage managed, well planned and portrayed as one of communal nature.

The notice was also issued to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and former state revenue minister Kamal Patel.

Bhushan told the court that main accused Surendra Rajput 'Tiger' was a known associate of Patel and an active member of the ruling BJP.

Rajput was apprehended by police but then allowed to escape, he told the court, adding that 12 First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged in connection with the riot.

The petitioner moved the apex court challenging the Aug 1, 2014 order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court to dispose off his public interest litigation without granting any relief.

A riot was allegedly instigated Sep 19, 2013, following the alleged killing of a cow by members of the minority community under the jurisdiction of Chhipabad police station in Khirkiya tehsil of the state, the petition said.

Modi, in his petition, said the cow had died of choking of respiratory pipe and asphyxia caused by consumption of polythene.

The riot saw 54 people losing their houses, property and businesses.

Police initially registered 12 FIRs but none included the name of Patel, a sitting BJP MLA, his son Sudeep Patel and his party members, according to the petition.