Chargesheet filed in majority of cases related to CAA/NRC protests in December 2019, UP police remains vigilant

LUCKNOW: Following the recent enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Uttar Pradesh state police have made significant progress in addressing the fallout from the violent protests that erupted in December 2019. Out of the 509 cases registered across the state during the protests, chargesheets have been filed in 406 cases, indicating a significant step towards accountability and justice.

The protests, allegedly fueled by the banned extremist organization Popular Front of India (PFI), were aimed at opposing both the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). According to UP Police Director-General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, the violence was widespread, with incidents reported in 41 districts. Among these, nine districts experienced major unrest, resulting in 21 deaths and injuries to 60 police personnel due to protester-fired bullets, along with around 400 officers injured by stone pelting.

Sharing more details about the case status, DGP Kumar revealed that investigations are ongoing in 31 cases, while final reports have been filed in 72 FIRs. Additionally, a substantial number of arrests have been made, with 5,836 protestors, including 113 affiliated with PFI, taken into custody. Furthermore, 947 protestors have surrendered in court during the course of the investigation.

In terms of restitution for damages incurred during the protests, DGP Kumar noted that public properties amounting to Rs 3.57 crore were destroyed. However, the police have taken decisive action by recovering Rs 6.54 lakh from protestors following notices served to 680 individuals.

With the recent notification of the CAA by the Union government, DGP Kumar affirmed the preparedness of the Uttar Pradesh police to maintain law and order in the state. Efforts have been made to engage with religious leaders to elucidate the key provisions of the Act, although the police remain vigilant in anticipation of any potential disruptions.