Wed Feb 25 05:55:14 UTC 2026: # Muzaffarnagar Court Acquits 37 in 2013 Riots Case Citing Lack of Evidence

The Story:
A court in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has acquitted 37 individuals accused in a 2013 communal riots case related to the killing of eight people. The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Manjula Bhalotiya, stated on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Imran, who alleged that a mob attacked houses belonging to the minority community in Kutba village on September 8, 2013, setting properties on fire and looting them.

Key Points:

  • 37 accused acquitted in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case.
  • The acquittal was based on the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence.
  • The case relates to the killing of eight people during the riots in Kutba village.
  • The initial complaint alleged an attack on the minority community, arson, and looting.
  • Over 60 people were killed and 40,000 displaced in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots overall.

Key Takeaways:

  • The difficulty in securing convictions in communal riot cases highlights challenges in the Indian judicial system related to evidence gathering and witness testimony.
  • The high number of acquittals in cases related to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots (over 1,100 acquitted, only seven convicted as of the report) raises questions about the effectiveness of the investigation and prosecution processes.
  • The acquittal may exacerbate feelings of injustice and marginalization among victims of the riots.

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