Mohd. Haroon & Ors. Vs. Union of India & ANR.

[Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 155 of 2013]

[Writ Petition (Crl.) Nos. 158, 165, 170, 171, 179, 181 196, 206 of 2013]

[Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 11 of 2014]

[Contempt Petition (Crl.) No.............of 2014 (D1372) in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 155 of 2013]

[Transferred Case (Civil) Nos. 123, 124 and 125 of 2013]

[Transfer Petition (Civil) Nos. 1750, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830 of 2013]

[Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 35402 of 2013]

P.Sathasivam, CJI.

1. These writ petitions and other connected matters relate to the riots that broke out on the fateful day of 07.09.2013. The riots erupted in and around District Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh as a result of communal tension prevailing in the city, which wrecked lives of a large number of people who fled from their homes out of anxiety and fear.

2. It is asserted in these petitions that the communal riot erupted in Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and its adjoining rural areas after a Mahapanchayat which was organized by the Jat community at Nagla Mandaur, 20 kms away from Muzaffarnagar city on 07.09.2013. In the said Mahapanchayat, over 1.5 lakh persons from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi participated to oppose the incident which was occurred on 27.08.2013 in Kawal village under Jansath Tehsil of Muzaffarnagar because of which violence broke out between two communities and three youths were killed from both sides in the wake of a trivial incident which had occurred earlier and the whole incident was given a communal colour to incite passion.

3. It is the claim of the petitioners herein that the local administration instead of enforcing the law allowed the congregation not only to take place, negligently and perhaps with certain amount of complicity, but also failed to monitor its proceedings. It is asserted in the petitions that since 27.08.2013 more than 200 Muslims have been brutally killed and around 500 are still missing in the spurt of the incident in 50 villages of the Jat community dominated areas where the Muslim community is in minority.

It is the stand of the petitioners that in the remote villages more than 40,000 persons have migrated under threat and have been forcibly asked to move out of the village otherwise they would be killed. It is further alleged that many thousand persons including infants, children, women and elderly are without food and shelter in various villages, and no facilities are being made available by the administration. Besides this, huge illegal and unauthorized arms and ammunitions have been recovered in and around Muzaffarnagar. It is also pointed out that the displaced persons of all communities are compelled to live in shelter camps where adequate arrangements are becoming the problem of survival.

4. Consequently, several writ petitions, under Article 32 of the Constitution, were filed by various individuals/Supreme Court Bar Association/NGOs seeking for an inclusive protection for each victim whose fundamental rights have been infringed in the said riot by praying for numerous rehabilitative, protective and preventive measures to be adhered to by both the State and the Central Government.

5. There are various contra-allegations about the actual occurrence and reasons attributed to the cause by different community people. It is relevant to point out that an association representing Jat community has also approached this Court highlighting their stand. It is stated that on the pressure of the other group, innocent persons are being picked up and are being incorporated in the FIR without conducting any inquiry and they are being arrested for none of their faults. Thus, it is the stand of the petitioners in this petition that the State has failed in its duty to ensure the security in the area.

6. It is also pointed out that the State Government transferred the Jat community officers alone from the districts of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli to other parts of the State. It is their claim that in order to remove the apprehension from the minds of the Jat community people, it is desirable either to entrust the investigation to the CBI or to constitute SIT comprising persons from outside the State of Uttar Pradesh. They also predominantly prayed for registration of FIRs against all culprits including powerful persons.

7. Similar petitions were also filed in the High Court of Allahabad. In view of the similarity of the issues involved in these petitions, viz., reasons for such violence, rehabilitation measures, compensation for the loss of lives and properties, action against offenders/culprits, all the matters pertaining to the said incidents filed in the High Court of Allahabad were directed to be transferred to this Court by order dated 19.09.2013. Writ Petition pertaining to Rape Cases

8. Serious allegations have been made against the State Police for not providing adequate security to women which resulted in several rapes being committed during the said communal violence. The petition also highlights the inaction on the part of State Police against the real culprits and the indifferent attitude towards the victim's rehabilitation and security.

9. Rape victims (Seven) filed Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 11 of 2014 for protection of their right to life under Article 21. All the petitioners belong to the minority community who were brutally gang raped and sexually assaulted by men belonging to the other communities during the communal violence in Muzzafarnagar and adjacent districts. It is the assertion of the petitioners in this petition that their homes were destroyed and they were rendered homeless with no roof over their heads, they lost their earnings and it has become difficult for them to take care of their children and themselves.

10. It is further pleaded that due to the stigma attached to the victims of sexual violence, the agony of gang rape and looming fear of future assault, the petitioners were unable to promptly report the crime of gang rape committed against them. It is the stand of the petitioners that they had been displaced from their villages, namely, village Fugana and village Lakh, hence, they could not go to the police station to lodge the complaint of gang rape. It was further submitted that in these circumstances, the delay on the part of the petitioners in lodging FIR is reasonable and does not, in any way, impact on the veracity of their complaints of gang rape.

11. It is further stated by the petitioners that after registration of FIR under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure , 1973, (in short 'the Code') and recording of statements under Section 161, the law prescribes that under Section 164(5A) of the Code, for all sexual offences including crime of rape, the police shall have the statement of the woman against whom the offence has been committed recorded before a Judicial Magistrate as soon as the commission of offence is brought to the notice of the police. It is stated that even though Petitioner Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 had lodged the FIRs in September, 2013 and Petitioner No. 2 had lodged the FIR in early October, 2013, the police deliberately and with mala fide intention dragged the investigation. Their statements under Section 164(5A) of the Code were recorded as late as in December, 2013 after the delay of almost three months.

12. It is also highlighted that Section 164A of the Code provides for medical examination of the rape victim and casts a statutory duty upon the police to send the woman making the complaint of rape to a registered medical practitioner within twenty four hours from the time of receiving information regarding the commission of such an offence. In the case of the petitioners, in direct contravention of this legal provision, the police knowingly delayed their medical examination. The petitioners are all married women having children, hence, their medical examination almost 20-40 days after the incidents of gang rape is unlikely to provide any perpetrated evidence. It is further pointed out that the petitioners were gang raped on 08.09.2013 whereas the medical examination was conducted between 29.09.2013-18.10.2013.

13. In the case of Petitioner No.7, in spite of specific information, there is no reason as to why FIR was not registered. It was only during the hearing before this Court, on 13.02.2014, when the counsel for Petitioner No.7 handed over the copy of the complaint to the counsel for the State, an FIR was registered on 18.02.2014

14. Further, it is the grievance of the petitioners that FIRs of all the petitioners were registered under Section 376D of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (in short 'the IPC') a specific provision relating to gang rape. Though Section 376(2)(g) of the IPC is squarely applicable to the crimes of gang rape that have been committed against the petitioners during the communal violence in September, 2013, the police has specifically omitted to include Section 376(2)(g) of the IPC in order to dilute the case of the petitioners and to exclude the legal presumption that the law raises through Section 114A of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 in favour of the petitioners. Therefore, the petitioners submitted that biased and motivated investigation by the police is clear and manifest and done with the sole purpose of shielding the accused.

15. It is further submitted that though Petitioner Nos. 1-6 named total 22 men as accused in six FIRs, only in February 2014, one accused, namely, Vedpal, who was named in FIR No. 120 of 2013 was arrested. Even after lapse of four and a half months, 21 named as accused by the petitioners of the heinous crime of gang rape during communal violence roam free. Neither those persons were arrested nor any proceedings have been initiated under Section 83 of the Code. The petitioners claimed in the petition that the accused are roaming free and enjoying the support of dominant community, Khap Panchayat, political parties and besides because of their closeness, they are also intimidating the victims. Thus, it is the stand of the petitioners that unless the police give protection to the victims and witnesses, it would be impossible for them to depose against the persons involved in the gang rape.

16. The petitioners have also disputed the claim of the State in disbursing compensation. It was asserted that they were not paid compensation much less the adequate compensation. Further, a prayer was made for transfer of cases of gang rape outside the State of U.P. in the larger interest of the society and in order to ensure fair investigation, prosecution and trial of the cases relating to Petitioner Nos. 1 to 7. Finally, they asserted in the petition that if the investigation is not transferred to SIT comprising the officers of integrity from the States other than U.P., there cannot be justice for sexual violence suffered by them due to inaction on the part of the State of U.P. Details Regarding Petitions:

17. On the whole, the following writ petitions/intervention applications/special leave petition pertaining to the aforesaid incidents, have been filed in this Court:

(a) Writ Petition (Crl.) Nos. 155, 158, 165, 170, 171, 179, 181 196, 206 of 2013 and Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 11 of 2014

(b) Crl. M.P. Nos. 19442, 20245, 20247, 26156, 24202, 26705, of 2013 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 155 of 2013 and Crl. M.P. Nos. 1516-1518 of 2014 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 155 of 2013, Crl. M.P. No. 19878 of 2013 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 165 of 2013, Crl. M.P. Nos.19971, 20460 of 2013 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 158 of 2013, Crl. M.P. Nos. 1523 of 2014, 2965- 2966 of 2014 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 170 of 2013, Crl. M.P. No. 23077 of 2013 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 171 of 2013, Crl. M.P. Nos. 24192 of 2013 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No.179 of 2013, Crl. M.P. No. 1124 of 2014 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 179 of 2013, Crl. M.P. No. 1895 of 2014 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 11 of 2014 and Crl. M.P. No..........of 2014 in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 155 of 2013

(d) Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 35402 of 2013

18. Apart from the above matters, we were also called upon to deal with the following cases from the High Court of Allahabad:

(a) Transferred Case (Civil) Nos. 123, 124 and 125 of 2013

(b) Transfer Petition (Civil) Nos. 1750, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830 of 2013 Reliefs and Directions:

19. The reliefs and directions sought for in these matters are broadly classified as follows:

(a) Firstly, to direct the Union of India/Ministry of Home Affairs and State Government to provide adequate security forces to take all necessary measures to stop the genocide and to prevent further communal violence.

(b) Secondly, to order a CBI Inquiry into the whole incident.

(c) Thirdly, to constitute Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by impartial experts of criminal investigation from the States other than Uttar Pradesh to investigate the incidents having taken place from 27.08.2013 to 08.09.2013 in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining districts.

(d) Fourthly, to ensure proper and adequate rehabilitation of the victims whose houses have been burnt, properties got damaged and to provide immediate temporary shelters/transit camps, food and clothing.

(e) Fifthly, to issue direction to lodge FIR against all persons including the government officials who are responsible for failure to maintain the law and order within time.

(f) Sixthly, to direct to pay ex-gratia relief of Rs. 25,00,000/- each to the kin of the deceased and Rs. 5,00,000/- each to the injured from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund as well as from the corpus of the State of Uttar Pradesh.

(g) Seventhly, to direct the State Government to take stern action against the persons responsible for rape and other heinous offences and also to provide rehabilitation of the victims and

(h) Lastly, to appoint an independent Commission apart from the one constituted by the State Government for impartial inquiry into the incidents and submit a report for prevention of such incidents in future and rehabilitation measures for victims.

20. The prayers sought for by the petitioners in the aforesaid petitions are all in one way or other seeking for enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and it is the Constitutional obligation of this Court to intervene and admonish such violation of human rights and issue appropriate orders for rehabilitation while simultaneously issuing directions to ensure that no recurrence of this nature is witnessed by this country in times to come. Interim monitoring orders issued by this Court:

21. On 12.09.2013, this Court, on going through various allegations levelled in the petitions, took on board the Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 155 of 2013 and the connected matters for examining the issues. Even at the preliminary hearing, Mr. Ravi P. Mehrotra, then standing counsel, accepted notice on behalf of the State of U.P. and its officers. After hearing the arguments of Mr. Gopal Subramanium and Mr. M.N. Krishnamani, learned senior counsel for the petitioners as well as Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, then learned senior counsel for the State of U.P., this Court issued the following directions: "On going through various allegations levelled in the writ petitions, we are inclined to examine the matter. At present, we direct the State of U.P. in association with the Central Government to take immediate steps and take charge of all persons, who are stranded without food and water and set up relief camps providing all required assistance.

It is also directed to ensure that all stranded are taken to places of safety and are given minimum amenities of food and water and to make adequate arrangements for their stay, till rehabilitation and restoration takes place in their respective places. It is further directed to provide necessary medical treatment to all wounded and needy persons and also while lifting them to hospitals, either at Meerut or Roorkee, if required hospitals at Delhi or any other suitable places. The State of U.P., as well as the Central Government, is directed to file the compliance reports by their senior officers on the next date of hearing. Learned counsel for the parties are permitted to file additional documents. List on Monday (16.09.2013) at 2.00 p.m."

22. Again, when this batch of cases was listed on 19.09.2013, after hearing counsel for the petitioners as well as the respondent-State, this Court, in the interest of justice and in view of the fact that this Court is monitoring the entire incident, directed that all cases pending on the file of the High Court at Allahabad be transferred to this Court and further made it clear that if there is any grievance pertaining to the aforesaid incident, they are free to approach this Court for necessary relief/directions.

Further, this Court issued the following directions: "...Though, Mr. Gopal Subramanium, learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners in W.P.(Crl.) No. 155 of 2013 after taking us through the compliance report/affidavits filed by Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 submitted that the steps taken by the said respondents are inadequate, however, it cannot be claimed that they have not taken effective steps. However, on going through the details mentioned in the respective affidavits as well as the reply filed by the petitioners, we direct both the respondents viz., Union of India and State of U.P. to provide the required assistance/facilities as directed in our order dated 12.09.2013. During the course of hearing, learned Attorney General apart from reiterating the stand taken in their affidavit assured this Court that the Government of India is fully committed to provide all required financial assistance as well as security measures for the immediate and permanent relief to the stranded and affected persons.

Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, learned senior counsel appearing for the State of U.P., after taking us through the various steps taken by them also assured this Court that apart from the steps taken by the State, they are taking further steps for providing food, water, shelter and medicines to all those affected persons. He also assured us that the State Government is taking effective steps for peaceful resettlement of those stranded persons. The above statement of both the respondents are hereby recorded. In order to ascertain the further development and the steps taken by both the respondents, we adjourn the matter till next Thursday, i.e., 26th September, 2013. Respondent Nos. 1 & 2 are directed to file further report on that day. The petitioners as well as others who are aware of more details about the sufferings of the people concerned are permitted to hand over all the details to the standing counsel for the State of U.P."

23. On 20.09.2013, at the request of learned senior counsel for the State of U.P., this Court, in continuation of order dated 19.09.2013 passed in the W.P. (Crl.) No. 155 of 2013 etc., directed to transfer W.P.No. 8289(MB) of 2013 (PIL) and W.P.No. 8643(MB) of 2013 (PIL) pending on the file of Lucknow Bench to this Court. When these matters came on 26.09.2013, after hearing all the parties, this Court issued notice on the transferred cases as well as the criminal miscellaneous petitions for intervention and direction (Crl.M.P. Nos. 20245 of 2013, 20247 of 2013 and 20460 of 2013) and in Writ Petition (Crl.) Nos. 165 of 2013 and 171 of 2013. This Court further directed the respondents to file separate response on the steps taken for the welfare of the victims and for their safe return to their homes and also directed to furnish the details regarding criminal cases registered against the persons involved in the incident.

24. On 17.10.2013, after hearing all the parties including the State, this Court passed the following directions: "Pursuant to our earlier direction, the State of U.P. has filed fourth, fifth and sixth reports in the form of an affidavit highlighting the steps taken by it. In addition to the same, the State has also filed a chart containing the existing camps and persons residing there. On behalf of the Union of India, learned Attorney General has submitted a report containing various communications from the Central and the State Government in the form of an affidavit in Court.

The same is taken on record. W.P.(Crl.) No. 181 of 2013 is taken on Board. Exemption from filing O.T. in W.P.(Crl.) No. 170 of 2013 is allowed. Issue notice in the W.P.(Crl.)No. 181 of 2013 filed by ANHAD and W.P.(Crl.)No. 170 of 2013 filed by Citizens for Justice and Peace & Ors. After hearing all the counsel at the request of Mr. Rajeev Dhawan, learned senior counsel, appearing for the State of U.P., we intend to give sufficient time to respond the fresh writ petitions, the writ petitions as well as various applications in which we have issued notice on the last hearing date. We direct the State to file a detailed response in regard to all the matters mentioning the steps taken up to 17th November, 2013 and the future course of action to maintain peace and communal harmony positively by 18th November, 2013. Counsel for the petitioners are directed to serve notice on all the unserved respondents in the meanwhile. List all these matters for hearing on 21st November, 2013 at 2.00 p.m."

25. On 21.10.2013, while granting stay of further proceedings in C.M. Writ Petition No. 53891 of 2013 entitled Pankaj Kumar and Ors. vs. State of U.P. and Ors. pending in the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, this Court issued the following directions: "It is made clear that any grievance pertaining to the incident that took place on 27th August, 2013 at Muzaffarnagar and nearby places aggrieved persons are to approach only to this Court for necessary relief/directions."

26. On 21.11.2013, again, after hearing all the parties, this Court passed the following order: "The State of U.P. has so far filed nine Reports with reference to the incident highlighting the steps taken and the follow up action. During the course of the hearing, it was brought to our notice the proceeding No. 118/six-P.C.V.C. - 13-15(20) 2013, dated 26th October, 2013 which was issued by Mr. D.S. Sharma, Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to the Commissioner, Saharanpur Commissionery, Saharanpur. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioners point out that the direction issued for rehabilitation of a particular community (Muslim families) alone are unacceptable.

When this was pointed out to Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, learned senior counsel appearing for the State of U.P., he readily agreed for recalling the said communication and also made a statement that the concerned authority will reissue proper proceedings taking care of all the affected persons involved in the incident. It is also brought to our notice that even on the date of filing of Eighth Report on 18th November, 2013, 5024 persons are still residing in the camps arranged by the State. Though, learned senior counsel for the State has pointed out that as on date the number of persons in the camps are likely to be lesser, taking note of the fact that sizeable number of persons are still in the camps and considering the climatic conditions during winter months, we direct the State Government to provide necessary assistance/materials to all the affected persons residing in these camps.

The State of U.P. is directed to file its response in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 179 of 2013, in Writ Petition (Crl.)No.171 of 2013, in Writ Petition (Crl.)No. 181 of 2013, in Writ Petition (Crl.)No.196 of 2013, in Writ Petition (Crl.)No. 206 of 2013, S.L.P.(c) No. 35402 of 2013 as well as Crl.M.P. No.....filed in Writ Petition (Crl.)Nos. 171 of 2013 and 179 of 2013, positively on the next date of hearing. With regard to the compensation for tractors, sugarcane crops, tube-wells and other agricultural products, learned senior counsel for the State, has readily agreed that if proper application/representation is made to the District Magistrate of the concerned district, the same shall be considered. The affidavit filed by the Union of India dated 21st November, 2013, is taken on record. List these matters on 12th December, 2013, at 2.00 p.m. In the meantime, the petitioners are directed to take effective steps to serve the unserved respondents in all the matters."

27. On 12.12.2013, again, after hearing all the parties including the counsel for the State, this Court made the following directions: "On behalf of the State of U.P., a consolidated compilation of documents and the Status Report have been filed in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 155 of 2013 and connected matters. The same is taken on record. In the Writ Petition (Crl.)No. 155 of 2013, the petitioners have filed Crl. Misc. Petition No. 26156 of 2013 praying for certain directions. In the said application based on the news report, the petitioners have asked not only direction to the respondents/State of U.P. but also for implementation of our earlier orders. The information which is mentioned in para 8 is as follows:

Para 8 "That recently various electronic news agencies like India TV and IBN Channel has reported between 02.12.2013 to 07.12.2013 in special coverage giving the images of the peoples struggling for their lives in cold in open sky in which more sufferer are the small children who were succumbed to death as they could not bear the cold temperature of the season. It has been reported that more than 50 children died on account of cold as their parents who are riot victims is having no means to protect their children. It is very unfortunate for the country like India that the whole country is unable to save even the small children who were dying on account of their no fault.

The death of various children which had also been reported in various newspapers." In W.P.(Crl.) No. 181 of 2013, the petitioners based on another newspaper's report as well as investigation by themselves furnished various details about deaths in camps. In both these petitions, it is the grievance of the petitioners that in spite of our earlier directions, the State Government has not fully implemented all directions in providing necessary help and assistance to the inmates of the camps particularly to the children, aged persons and all affected persons. In view of the same, we direct the State Government to ascertain the correct position and filed a detailed report on the next date of hearing. In the meanwhile, the State Government is directed to look into the serious averments in para 8 in Crl.M.P. No. 26156 of 2013 (which we have extracted above) and take necessary steps and provide required remedial assistance at once. Dr. Rajiv Dhawan, learned senior counsel appearing for the State of U.P. assures this Court that necessary steps will be provided by tomorrow, i.e., 13th December, 2013 onwards.

The above statement is hereby recorded. Taking note of the cold conditions in the forthcoming months, we hereby further direct the State Administration particularly the district concerned to provide necessary materials including medical facilities for the inmates particularly children in the camps as well as all those affected due to riots. During the course of hearing, counsel appearing on behalf of various petitioners/organizations raised certain complaints/grievances about the steps so far taken by the State Administration. The respective counsel are permitted to hand over those details to the standing counsel for the State of U.P. by tomorrow, i.e., 13th December, 2013. The State of directed to take remedial steps at once and file their response on the next date of hearing. Post all the matters for final disposal on 21st January, 2014 at 10.30 a.m. as item one. In the meantime, parties are permitted to complete their pleadings."

28. Finally, on 20.02.2014, after hearing elaborate arguments of Mr. Uday U. Lalit, learned senior counsel for the State and Ms. Kamini Jaiswal, learned counsel for the rape victims, this Court reserved the judgment in these matters. Compliance Reports:

29. The given petitions were heard over 5 months commencing from 12.09.2013 and ending on 20.02.2014. In this interim period, this Court issued numerous directions for monitoring the situation at the place of incidence. It is pointed out by learned counsel appearing for various parties that because of various directions of this Court, the State Government initiated active investigation, relief measures, both in the camps as well as in shelter homes and provided more provisions for food, clothes and medicines etc., which is highlighted in the eleven Compliance Reports filed before this Court over the period of time.

30. From the reports filed by the State Government, we culled out the following information, which will throw light on the rehabilitative and preventive measures adopted by the Central and the State Government.

1. Arrangements for Relief camps a total number of 58 camps were made functional, of which, 41 such camps were established in District Muzaffarnagar and 17 camps in District Shamli. In District Muzaffarnagar, the camps were established in different villages of two Tehsils, viz., Tehsil Sadar and Tehsil Budhana. After survey of these camps by the District Administration, it was found that most of the displaced families were living in Madarsas, private ghar (houses) and other buildings. Remaining people had taken refuge at open places by erecting tents. After the survey, 30 relief camps were identified in Tehsil Budhana area and 11 relief camps in Tehsil Sadar area and a District Level Officer was deputed as a Nodal Officer for each camp. In addition to this, one police officer was also designated for each camp.

Detailed guidelines and instructions were issued to the concerned officers for ensuring efficient and effective running of these camps. A Purchase and Supply Committee, comprising of District Supply Officer, Deputy Regional Marketing Officer, Sachiv Mandi Samiti, ARTO, Joint Commissioner (Commercial Tax), General Manager of District Industries Centre and General Manager of Parag Dairy was formed to purchase and supply foodgrains and other articles of daily use to the families living in camps. After getting daily assessment of their requirements through Nodal Officers, foodgrains and other goods were supplied by trucks and other small vehicles to the camps. The families going back from certain camps during the month of December 2013 were provided ration material for a period of 15 days so as to facilitate their resettlement and rehabilitation.

An amount of Rs.152.95 lacs was spent on the foodgrains and other essential commodities provided in the camps and afterwards in the District Muzaffarnagar. In addition to this, Rs. 61.44 lacs were spent on arrangements for auxiliary items. In this manner, a total amount of Rs.214.39 lacs has been spent on the items supplied and the arrangements made in the District Muzaffarnagar. Similar arrangements were made in District Shamli. In District Shamli also two Tehsils, viz., Tehsil Shamli and Tehsil Kairana were affected. Six relief camps in Tehsil Shamli and 11 camps in Tehsil Kairana had been identified. Foodgrains and other essential commodities worth Rs. 32.39 lacs and milk worth Rs.53.10 lacs have been provided in the camps and to the families going back from the camps for resettlement and rehabilitation. In addition to that, Rs.27.65 lacs have been spent on other arrangements.

Thus, a total amount of Rs.113.04 lacs has been spent on the items supplied and the arrangements made for the camps. District Baghpat has also reported an expenditure of Rs.1.85 lacs for supplying foodgrains and other essential items for the people who had gone to the camps and have now been rehabilitated in their villages. All 41 camps in District Muzaffarnagar have been closed and 2 camps and 4 satellite camps are in operation in District Shamli. A total number of 2618 persons are living in these camps. The relief operations on the same scale are being continued in these camps. The State Government has given directions to run the remaining camps and to take all necessary measures for providing foodgrains, milk, other essential commodities, medical facilities and materials required for shelter from cold etc. as long as the people are living in such camps.

2. Medical facilities to the injured and those living in the camps Medical ambulances with all modern facilities were deployed for all the camps. Medical and paramedical staff was deployed at all the camps to regularly conduct medical checkup in the camps. According to the data provided by the Chief Medical Officer, Muzaffarnagar, the medical teams conducted cumulative medical check-up of 21,555 persons in the camps. It was ensured that if any person in the camp was found seriously ill he was shifted immediately to the District Hospital using ambulance and if required he was referred to the Medical Centre at Delhi and Meerut.

A sum of Rs.6.38 lacs in Muzaffarnagar and Rs.14.90 lacs in Shamli was spent towards treatment of the persons injured in the incidents. For better and specialized treatment, 21 injured persons were referred to higher medical facilities at Meerut and New Delhi. Instructions were issued by the State Government that the treatment of persons who got injured during incidents of violence is to be done free of cost. One such person who went for his treatment to private facility has been paid Rs.2.5 lacs from the Chief Minister's Discretionary Fund. In District Shamli too, similar arrangements were made by the District Administration. According to the data provided by the C.M.O., the medical teams conducted cumulative medical check-up of 23,243 persons in the camps. Female doctors and ANMs were deployed to the extent possible for taking care of the women especially the pregnant and lactating mothers. 303 pregnant women were identified and 44 of them were shifted to Community Health Centres (CHC), Primary Health Centres (PHC) or the District Hospital for safe deliveries in the district of Muzaffarnagar.

Additional nutrition was provided under the ICDS by the Anganwadi workers to all those children who were below the age of 6 years and living in the camps. Chlorine tablets and ORS packets were distributed on regular basis. More than 64000 chlorine tablets and nearly 7750 ORS packets were distributed in the two districts. In addition to this, routine immunization activity was also carried out in the camps. 573 children in Muzaffarnagar and 1107 children in Shamli were vaccinated during this period. In compliance with the directions given by this Court, separate teams were constituted and deployed for special care of all those living in the camps especially women and children. For the camp at Loi Village in Muzaffarnagar, one general physician, one pediatrician for the treatment of children, one ANM/staff nurse, one para medical staff and ambulance was put on duty.

The camp was closed on 31.12.2013 by rehabilitating all the families. Till then, 3114 cumulative patients were treated in the camps of which 509 were children, 65 children were vaccinated, 515 chlorine tablets and 154 ORS packets were distributed. It has been ensured that all those pregnant women, who were living in the camp before its closure would be taken to PHC Budhana or District Female Hospital for their deliveries. Similarly, 3 doctors, 3 pharmacists, 3 ANMs, 2 ward boys, 2 drivers with ambulances, 1 LA, 1 OTA and 1 STLS have been deployed for 4 camps in operation at Malakpur, Khurgan, Sunaiti and Bibipur Hatia. 153 patients including 59 children have been treated in these camps. The persons, who have been shifted to different villages for rehabilitation, are being tracked and being provided medical facilities at their places of stay. In Muzaffarnagar, 168 pregnant women and 4946 children have been examined and 860 children were treated for various ailments. 114 children were vaccinated. In Shamli, 328 children from total 1128 patients have been examined during last week in the camps.

3. Arrangement of Sanitation and Drinking Water In order to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness, five sweepers were deployed for each camp. It was ensured that the sweepers remained deployed till the camps were in place. Keeping in view the large number of women and children in the camps, mobile toilets were placed near the camps. In order to avoid epidemic, spray of pesticides and other chemicals was ensured. To kill mosquitoes, fogging was carried out near relief camp at Jaula. Safe and clean drinking water was also supplied through piped water supply schemes, permanent tubewells installed at the camp sites, India Marked-II hand pumps and water tankers from the urban local bodies situated near the camps. Chlorine tablets were distributed in all the camps as has been described in the paragraph above.

4. Arrangement of Tent, Dari and Bedsheets etc. Though most of the camps were situated in pucca buildings like Madarsas and Schools, makeshift tents were also erected in 15 camps to provide shed and shelter. The displaced families could not bring any item of daily use with them, hence, two steel plates, two steel glasses, one medium size dari, two bed sheets, one bucket, one mug, one towel, milk powder, biscuit packets were provided to each and every family in the camps. Clothes to women and children were also distributed in camps. In addition to that, two toilet soaps, two washing soaps, one tooth paste and kerosene oil etc. were provided to the families living in the camps. The approximate value of abovementioned goods has crossed Rs. 1 crore. 104 quintals of fire wood was supplied in the camps through the Divisional Forest Officer. Another 54 quintals of firewood was supplied through District Supply Officer for its use as fuel. Apart from this, 48 gas cylinders were provided in the camps.

5. Arrangement of fodder for cattle A large number of villagers fled from their houses out of fear leaving behind their cattle and animals. These animals were taken care of by the people from the community. The Animal Husbandry Department was directed to provide fodder to such cattle with the help of voluntary organizations. Identification of such villages and cattle was done and fodder was made available. So far, 568.30 quintals of wheat-hay has been distributed. Teams of Veterinary Doctors have treated 301 cattle so identified.

6. Financial Assistance by Government of Uttar Pradesh to the wounded and the families of deceased persons According to letter No. 1027k/chh-sa.ni.pr.-13/15(14)2013 dated 10.09.2013 and Government Order No. F.A.-2-367/Ten-92-100(30)D/92-Home Police, Section-12 dated 21.12.1992, financial assistance to the families of deceased and injured persons is to be given at the following rates:

1. In case of death - Rs. 10,00,000 per death

2. In case of serious injury - Rs.50,000 per person

3. In case of simple injury - Rs. 20,000 per person District Muzaffarnagar 32 persons belonging to this District have died in various incidents of violence that took place on or after 07.09.2013. Of these deceased persons, two dead bodies are still unidentified.

Three persons were killed in clashes on 27.08.2013 in village Kawal, Tehsil Jansath. One news channel reporter named Rajesh Verma died on 07.09.2013 in communal violence in Muzaffarnagar city. Financial assistance of Rs. 15 lacs was announced for his family. Thus, a total sum of Rs. 3.35 crores has been provided to the families of 33 persons. In addition to that, a total sum of Rs. 7.50 lacs was provided to 15 persons injured seriously. One person succumbed to his injuries and his family has been paid additional amount of Rs. 9.5 lacs.

Thus, 34 families of deceased persons have been paid Rs.3.45 crores and the remaining 14 seriously injured persons were paid Rs.7 lacs. A sum of Rs.5.40 lacs has been distributed to 27 persons with simple injuries. District Shamli 15 persons belonging to this District died in the incident on or after 07.09.2013. Of these, 13 persons died in incidents that took place in Muzaffarnagar and 2 persons died in the incidents within the District on or after 07.09.2013. One person was killed in another clash that had occurred on 03.09.2013 in the District. A total sum of Rs.1.60 crore has been provided to the families of all the 16 deceased persons.

For the injured persons, a total sum of Rs.4.5 lacs has been provided to 9 seriously injured persons and a sum of Rs.3.20 lacs to 16 persons with simple injuries. District Saharanpur Three persons belonging to this District died in the incidents on or after 07.09.2013, of which one died in Muzaffarnagar and 2 died within the District. A sum of Rs. 30 lacs has been provided to all the 3 families. Moreover, a total sum of Rs. 20 lacs has been provided to 4 persons injured seriously. Apart from these 3 Districts, as mentioned above, under the Saharanpur Division, 9 persons who were killed, belonged to the three districts of the Meerut Division. According to the report received from these Districts, Rs. 50 lacs were paid to 5 families in District Meerut, Rs. 30 lacs to 3 families in Baghpat and Rs. 10 lacs to 1 family in District Hapur. One seriously injured person succumbed to his injuries in Meerut and his family has been paid additional financial assistance of Rs. 9.5 lacs.

Thus, all the 10 families of the deceased persons have been provided ex gratia relief of Rs. 1 crore. In addition to this, 4 seriously injured persons in District Baghpat have been paid Rs. 2 lacs. Remaining 2 seriously injured persons in District Meerut have been paid an amount of Rs. 1 lac. 4 persons with simple injuries in Baghpat have been paid Rs.0.8 lacs. District Hapur has reported no injured person. In addition to the above, the State Government has sanctioned pension to the eligible 63 injured persons at the rate of Rs.400/- per month under the Rani Laxmi Bai Pension Scheme under special circumstances. Thus, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has paid Rs.6.35 crores to the families of 63 deceased persons, Rs.16.50 lacs to 33 seriously injured persons, Rs.9.80 lacs to 49 persons with simple injuries and pension to 63 injured persons.

7. Financial Assistance by Government of India to the wounded and the families of deceased persons Government of India has also sanctioned ex-gratia relief from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund at the rate of Rs.2 lacs per family for the dependents or legal heirs of the deceased and at the rate of Rs. 50000 for the seriously injured persons. Rs. 15 lacs have been sanctioned to the family of Sri Rajesh Verma, the Journalist, who was killed in the city on 07.09.2013. 32 families in Muzaffarnagar, 16 families in Shamli, 3 families in Saharanpur, 5 families in Meerut, 3 families in Baghpat and 1 family in Hapur have been paid Rs.120 lacs. Rs. 10 lacs have been paid to the family of Late Sri Rajesh Verma. Rs. 16.50 lacs have been paid to 33 seriously injured persons. Two cases, in which the injured persons have died, have been forwarded for further assistance of Rs.1.50 lac per family. Thus, Rs.146.50 lacs have been distributed to the injured persons and the legal heirs of the deceased persons from the funds made available by the Government of India.

8. Employment to the dependents of the deceased persons The State Government decided to give employment to one member of the family of the deceased persons according to his or her qualification. Total 58 persons belonging to 6 Districts died in the incidents on or after 07.09.2013 and 5 persons died in the incidents that had taken place before that. A proposal was made for employment of dependents of 61 persons killed in the incidents as 2 dead bodies remained unidentified. 2 persons had died from the same family and one person killed was a Government employee and his dependent will be considered as per "Dying in Harness" rules. Thus, the proposal was sanctioned by the Government for remaining 59 persons and all of them have been given employment. Two new proposals, which were sent to the State Government with regard to 2 seriously injured persons who succumbed to their injuries have been sanctioned and formalities are being completed to give them employment.

9. Confidence building measures A detailed survey and analysis of the families displaced from different villages and living in camps was done. The villages from where displacement took place were divided into three categories:

(i) Villages where no violence took place.

(ii) Villages where no death was reported.

(iii) Villages where death was reported.

First of all, measures were taken to rehabilitate and return those people who fell in the first category. In this category, displacement had taken place just out of fear. Meetings with important and effective persons from both the communities were organized in which one community had assured the safety and security of the other. Peace Committees were constituted and their meetings were organized at the Block, Tehsil and District levels. Senior officers like District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, ADM, ASP, SDM, Circle Officer and other functionaries from the Revenue and police departments participated along with the Village Pradhans and important public persons from all the communities. Teams of officers were sent from Districts of Meerut and Baghpat to convince and take the persons living in the camps who belonged to the villages of these districts.

At one stage, the total number of people staying in 58 camps in two districts had reached a figure of 50955 of which 27198 persons were in 41 camps at Muzaffarnagar and 23757 persons in 17 camps at Shamli. As a result of the efforts made by the administration in holding these meetings and providing one-time financial assistance for rehabilitation, all the persons living in the camps in Muzaffarnagar have returned either to their native villages or resettled elsewhere. As far as District Shamli is concerned, 15 camps have been closed and 23757 persons living in the camps have either returned to their native village or to the other places of their choice after getting one-time assistance of Rs. 5 lacs. Remaining 2 camps at Malakpur (990 persons remaining) and Barnawi (330 persons remaining) have split into 4 additional satellite camps established on the forest land, Gaon Sabha land or the Government land of villages Akbarpur Sunhaiti (297 persons), Khurgan (595 persons), Dabhedi Khurd (203 persons) and Bibipur Hatia (203 persons).

Thus, 2618 persons are still living in 2 camps and 4 satellite camps in the District Shamli. Efforts are being made to convince them to go back to their villages or settle elsewhere. To ensure the safety and building a feeling of confidence among those returning to the villages, para-miliatry forces were deployed in those villages. Preventive action was also ensured under the provisions of the Code and effective legal action is being taken with respect to the FIRs lodged for the incidents of rioting. Notices were issued to 6616 persons in Muzaffarnagar and 1756 persons in Shamli under Section 107/111 of the Code. Out of these, 8372 persons in two districts, 5793 persons (4802 in Muzaffarnagar and 991 in Shamli) have been bound down under Section 107/116 of the Code.

In addition to this, 356 persons in Muzaffarnagar and 239 persons in Shamli, thereby totaling 595 persons have been arrested in connection with various FIRs for incidents of violence, arson and looting etc. Regarding safety of their lives and security of their properties, the State has brought to our notice that necessary forces have been deployed in all the areas in which the communal riots took place.

The details furnished by the State show that at present, the following forces deployed for law and order duty:

Addl. SP

Dy. SP

Insp.

S.I

Const.

PAC

238

1447

400

8 Coy. 2 PL.

10. One time financial assistance to the families not returning to their villages Families displaced from 6 villages in Muzaffarnagar, i.e., Fugana, Kutaba, Kutbi, Kakda, Mohammadpur Raisingh and Mundbhar and 3 villages in Shamli, i.e., Lisadh, Lank and Bahavadi have not agreed to return to their native villages even after confidence building measures and serious persuasion. Their decision was found to be justified largely based on the fear emanating from the kind of incidents of murders and arson that had happened in these villages during the violence that broke out on 7th and 8th September, 2013. The State Government, vide its order dated 26.10.2013, has decided to give a lumpsum grant of Rs. 5 lacs per family for their resettlement and rehabilitation.

According to the preliminary estimates of houses in these villages, an amount of Rs.90 crores has been sanctioned for 1800 families, Rs.43.15 crores to 863 families out of 901 such families in Muzaffarnagar and Rs.38.40 crores to 768 such families in Shamli have been paid under the one-time financial assistance for their rehabilitation. In addition to this, 13 families in Muzaffarnagar have been given part payment of Rs.2 lacs each incurring Rs.26 lacs. Thus, 1644 families have been paid till date and an amount of Rs.81.81 crores has been spent for their resettlement and rehabilitation.

11. Compensation for damage to movable and immovable property Assessment was done for damage to the uninsured movable and immovable property during the riots. Efforts were made to assess the loss by a team of qualified persons in the presence of victims. Photography and videography was also done during the process. According to the latest reports, an amount of Rs.124.06 lacs has been paid in 212 cases, out of 217 surveyed cases worth Rs.125 lacs. Similarly, in District Muzaffarnagar, 465 movable properties have been assessed at Rs.176.44 lacs and the claim of Rs.174.82 lacs has been settled for 459 properties. Hence, the claim of 671 properties out of 682 total damaged movable properties has already been settled and an amount of Rs.298.88 lacs has already been paid.

As per the order dated 26.10.2013 regarding one-time financial assistance to the families from 9 villages, the compensation for the damage to the immovable properties of these families is included in the one-time assistance. Therefore, the compensation for damage to immovable property has to be paid in the remaining villages only. Besides, the amount is to be paid in two equal instalments. All 24 cases identified in Shamli, all 6 cases identified in Baghpat and 55 out of 56 cases identified in Muzaffarnagar have been paid the first instalment of Rs.50.56 lacs. Thus, a total amount of Rs. 349.44 lacs has been paid as compensation for the loss of uninsured movable and immovable property loss in 3 districts. Enhanced Compensation:

31. During the course of hearing, learned senior counsel and the Additional Advocate General of U.P. appearing for the State assured this Court that the Government would consider enhancing the amount of compensation to the victims of communal violence who had died and to the parents of the deceased children below 5 years of age.

32. It is brought to our notice that by G.O. dated 18.02.2014 issued by the Home Secretary, Government of U.P., it has been decided that the State Government would provide further compensation of Rs. 3 lakhs in addition to the compensation already provided to the relatives of the deceased and a compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs to the parents of the deceased children below 5 years of age who died in the relief camps.

33. In addition to the same, the State has also highlighted other reliefs that have been given to the riot victims for damage of immovable properties. The chart placed before us shows the names of the persons, father's name, type of property, type of damage, value of the property, name of the village, district and the actual amount paid to those persons. The said chart also shows that in this category, 181 persons received various amounts depending on the value of the property lost. Likewise, the State has also placed details regarding financial assistance to injured persons due to communal violence.

The chart furnished shows that about 53 persons from Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Saharanpur and Baghpat were benefitted. It also contains the name of the injured persons, their family details and their full address as well as the compensation received from the State Government. The State has also placed particulars regarding the beneficiaries of Rani Lakshmibai Pension Yojana relating to persons who sustained injuries both simple as well as grievous in communal violence. The chart also shows the name and details of their family, age, full particulars and the amount paid for the period September 2013 to March 2014. Phase of Investigation:

34. Apart from the rehabilitative and preventive measures, certain concerns were also raised by the petitioners in regard to the inefficient investigation by State Police and lapse of procedural laws which leads to gross violation of rights of victims.

35. Regarding the stand of the petitioners that many false accused were shown as culprits, the State has filed a detailed note wherein it is stated that a total number of 566 cases are being investigated by the Special Investigation Cell (SIC). It was submitted that during investigation, it was observed that many cases were false and many persons have been wrongly named in FIRs. The investigating officers found sufficient ground and evidence for their innocence. The State has pointed out that names of all such persons, viz., 549 persons, have been removed. Till now, 48 registered cases have been found false and the same were either expunged or removed.

Names of 69 persons in murder cases have been found false and their names have been removed from the accused list. In addition to the above information, the State has furnished a list of accused found false which contains 516 persons from Hindu community and 33 from Muslim, i.e., a total number of 549 persons. The State has also furnished a list of expunged cases and the persons who were wrongly included. Here again, the State has mentioned the names and addresses of those persons, crime number, police station, offences under various enactments and districts.

36. It is further seen from the information furnished by the State that at present SIC is investigating a total number of 566 cases registered during the communal violence in Muzaffarnargar and adjoining districts of Shamli, Baghpat, Saharanpur and Meerut. Out of 566 cases, 533 cases are of Muzaffarnagar, 27 of Shamli and 2 each of Baghpat, Saharanpur and Meerut. Of these 566 cases, 59 cases are of murder and rest are of arson, dacoity, grievous injury and of miscellaneous type. Six cases of rape have also been registered. All rape cases are of Village Fugana, Police Station Fugana, Muzaffarnagar. In all these cases, 6403 people were named and 253 came to light. Of these, 549 accused were found false. It was also observed that many persons were named in more than one case and a calculation of all these revealed that 3803 persons were named. Till date, 984 persons have been declared accused in investigated cases. Rest of the cases are under investigation. 337 accused have been arrested and 61 persons have surrendered before the Court. 374 Non-Bailable Warrants, 195 warrants under Section 82 of the Code and 3 kurki (attachment) warrants of Section 83 of the Code have been issued. Charge-sheet has been filed against 238 accused and Closure Reports have been given against 102 persons. Constitution of the SIC:

37. About the constitution of SIC and the method of investigation, the State has highlighted: "Special investigation cell was constituted in the month of September after the communal violence in the district Muzaffarnagar and adjoining district to investigate the cases registered during communal violence. As the task was very daunting because most of the complainant had fled from their villages and had taken refuse in various relief camps and in their relatives.

The first task was to locate the complainants and witnesses. This hardeous task was accomplished after taking the list of persons staying in camps and getting their mobile numbers. Thereafter, inquiring from one person to another complainants and witnesses were approached and their statements were recorded. This obviously delayed investigation to some extent, but once the complainants and witnesses were traced, investigation took pace and very soon investigation of all the cases will be completed. During investigation, SIC used scientific mode of investigation. Some of the methods which were used are as follows:

1. A large number of persons were named in various cases registered. To confirm the authenticity of complaint and accused person, location of both complainant and accused persons were collected through their mobile numbers. Mobile no. of various persons were analysed. Call details were also applied to work out unknown cases.

2. In the village Lisad of PS Fughana death of 13 persons were reported. The body of 11 persons out of 13 were not recovered and no traces of their body were found. SIC took the help of Forensic Science Laboratory, Lucknow to find the traces of their death. FSL used scientific methods to collect sign of some blood. Even though 20 days have passed after the claim of death, FSL was successful in finding sign of some blood by Benjamin test. The blood samples have been sent for examination. During investigation, some suspicious small pieces of bones were recovered, which has been sent for DNA and other scientific examination. In one another case, DNA samples have been sent to match of the claim of death."

38. In support of the above stand, the State has also placed copies of various orders passed by the SIC. Arrest and follow-up action:

39. Regarding arrest and follow-up actions, the State has filed a list of arrested persons in communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas. The list shows the names of 308 arrested persons in the Districts of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli. Here again, the State has furnished the names and addresses of arrested accused, the date on which they were arrested, offences under various enactments, crime number, police station, nature of the offence, district, etc. The State has also indicated the religion of the accused just to show that actions were being taken irrespective of the caste, community or religion.

40. The State has also furnished a list of 50 persons who surrendered (31 belonging to Hindu community and 19 Muslim). Here again, the State has furnished the names and addresses of accused, date of surrender, offences involved, title of the crime, case number, police station and district etc.

41. In addition to the above particulars, the State has also furnished details about the action taken against accused persons in communal violence cases as on 08.02.2014. The chart contains the details of the number of the accused, number of crimes, details regarding action taken, types of offences, etc. The State also catalogued these details district-wise, viz., Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Saharanpur and Meerut.

42. The State has also furnished the details regarding action being taken against political persons. The list contains total 22 persons in this category having their names and addresses, particulars regarding political party, post held, such as, Minister/MP/MLA, Crime number, police station, various offences and particulars regarding action taken, etc.

43. In addition to the above particulars, the State has also highlighted various difficulties faced by the District Police in making arrests. According to them, right from day one, the District Police has faced staunch opposition and strong protests in making arrests in riot cases. Many panchayats and dharnas have been organized to resist arrests. The accused from both the communities have found strong refuge in respective villages. In some cases, villagers have even attacked the police parties to stop them from making arrest.

In the note submitted to this Court, they highlighted some of the notable episodes that took place on 15.10.2013, 21.10.2013, 26.10.2013, 28.10.2013, 01.11.2013, 25.01.2014, 26.01.2014. According to the State, in those days, women folk of the particular community obstructed the police from entering their houses where the accused were hiding. Khap panchayats prevented the police from performing their duties. In spite of those protests and obstructions, the State has highlighted that the District Police has been persistent and diligent in making arrests of the accused persons in riot cases and so far 337 accused persons have been arrested and 61 accused persons have been forced to surrender.

The raid teams from respective police stations are being sent regularly to make arrests. A dedicated surveillance team has been deployed with the Crime Branch to gather intelligence about the whereabouts of the accused persons of serious riot offences. Despite extreme adverse circumstances and strong protests from both communities, the police has made persistent attempts to effect the arrests of the accused people. The efforts made by the district police are:

i) Continuous raids - Teams from various police stations led by senior police officers have been conducting raids for the accused on regular basis.

ii) Gathering of information - To locate the accused, relevant information is being gathered, informers have been employed and people from the same villages have been identified who are willing to provide information about the accused people.

iii) Surveillance and Crime Branch support - In making arrests, the district police have also sought support of surveillance teams and Crime Branch experts to gather information about accused to facilitate arrests.

iv) Several meetings are being conducted in affected villages to generate confidence amongst the villagers and to ensure them that innocent people will not be harassed, to blunt their resistance about arrests.

v) Meetings are also arranged between the two communities to restore faith and feeling of brotherhood. Such efforts are being made to alienate the actual accused people who are desperately trying