Kasganj riots: Independent probe report alleges lapses in police investigation, seeks HC-monitored probe

NEW DELHI: An independent group of social activists and citizens on Wednesday alleged serious lapses in the police investigation into riots that occurred in Kasganj district in January this year, and sought a fresh investigation monitored by the Allahabad high court.
The group, People’s Collective, released a report here detailing the conclusions made by a fact-finding committee. The report was compiled by journalist Ajit Sahi and released and endorsed by Ramon Magsaysay Award-winner Sandeep Pandey, noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan, rights activists Teesta Setalvad and Apoorvanand, retired IPS officer SS Darapuri and JNU student leader Umar Khalid, who were present at the release of the document.
When asked, Rahul Srivastava, PRO to UP DGP, refused to comment on the issue, saying, “Let them come to us in an official manner with detailed report of their investigation and then we will answer them point by point.But before that, I don't think the DGP’s office would like to get involved in something like that.”
The report alleged that the police investigation was biased in favour of “a particular group” and alleged that police officers protected the majority community while unfairly targeting the minority community.
According to police, the violence began after a group of Muslims obstructed a group of Hindus taking out a motorcycle procession, a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ to mark Republic Day, at Abdul Hameed Chowk in Kasganj city. One Chandan Gupta, who was in the procession, was allegedly killed by gunshot, after which dozens of people were injured and widespread vandalism and arson occurred in the district.