UP govt sets up special cell to probe Muzaffarnagar riots

The Uttar Pradesh government has set up a special investigation cell (SIC) to probe the riots in Muzaffarnagar earlier this month, which claimed 49 lives.

"An SP-level officer would head the cell," Principal Secretary, Home, R M Srivastava said here today.

The cell would also have two officers of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police, three Deputy Superintendents of Police and 20 inspectors/sub-inspectors, Srivastava said.

DIG, Saharanpur, and IG, Meerut, would monitor the investigations being carried out by this cell, Srivastava said, adding that around 80 cases in all have been registered in connection with the violent clashes in and around Muzaffarnagar.

The thrust would be on carrying out the investigation in a scientific manner using all the required scientific methods, he said.

Communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and its adjoining areas claimed 49 lives and left thousands of others homeless.