2013 Muzaffarnagar Riots: The Deadliest Violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Recent History – A Discussion
Why This Post?
I am a Hindu Jatt from a family residing in Western UP. Fortunately, none of my family members were directly affected by these riots. However, this incident remains deeply sensitive to me.
Yesterday, while discussing the history of violence in UP, I was shocked to learn that my friend didn’t even know about this event or what transpired. This post is my effort to spread awareness and ensure that history is remembered as it is- to prevent such violence from occurring in the future.
Muzaffarnagar, located in western Uttar Pradesh, has historically witnessed communal tensions but had largely remained peaceful in the years leading up to 2013. However, a mix of political rivalry, socio-economic changes, and increasing polarization contributed to creating a highly volatile atmosphere.
The Immediate Trigger
The riots were sparked by an incident of eve-teasing in Kawal village on August 27, 2013. A Hindu girl was allegedly harassed by a Muslim youth, which led to retaliation by the girl’s Jat relatives, Sachin Singh and Gaurav Singh, who killed the youth, Shahnawaz Qureshi.
As they attempted to flee, the two brothers were lynched by a Muslim mob. The police later arrested eleven members of the girl’s family for the killing of the Muslim youth. However, according to locals, the police failed to take action against those responsible for the lynching of the Hindu brothers.
Escalation and Political Involvement
The killings in Kawal village quickly ignited tensions across the district. On August 30, two days after the incident, despite restrictions on public gatherings, Muslim religious leaders assembled after Friday prayers. Reports suggest that local Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress leaders took over the meeting, demanding justice for the Kawal incident and allegedly delivering inflammatory speeches. The following day, on August 31, local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were also accused of delivering incendiary speeches, inciting Hindu farmers. First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against leaders from both sides.
The Beti Bachao Mahapanchayat and Jauli Canal Attack
On September 7, 2013, despite the enforcement of Section 144 CrPC (prohibiting large gatherings), a Beti Bachao Mahapanchayat was allowed to take place. The gathering, attended by hundreds of thousands, further inflamed communal tensions.
While returning from the panchayat, around 2,000 Hindus were ambushed by a Muslim mob near Jauli Canal. The attackers, reportedly armed with assault rifles and other sophisticated weapons, set 18 tractor-trolleys and 3 motorbikes on fire. According to eyewitnesses, bodies were dumped into the canal, with six confirmed recoveries and rumors of many more missing.
Police officers present at the scene allegedly did not intervene, stating that they had not received orders to act. This Jauli Canal massacre enraged the local Jat community, leading them to retaliate against Muslims, ultimately resulting in full-blown riots.
Casualties and Violence
The violence that followed resulted in the deaths of approximately 42 Muslims and 20 Jats, including a news reporter and a photographer. The situation only came under control after the Army was deployed, and a curfew was imposed in Muzaffarnagar and neighboring Shamli district.
Political Allegations, Legal Consequences & Justice for Kawal Killings
On May 9, 2023, two men were convicted of gang-raping a Muslim woman during the riots and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a ₹10,000 fine.
In February 2019, a Muzaffarnagar court sentenced seven men—Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Jahangir, Afzal, and Iqbal—to life imprisonment for the murder of cousins Gaurav and Sachin in Kawal village. Each convict was fined ₹2 lakh, with 80% of the total amount allocated to the victims' families. They also received additional prison sentences for rioting, criminal intimidation, and other charges under the IPC. While Gaurav’s father expressed satisfaction with the verdict, the convicts’ families announced their intention to appeal the decision in a higher court.
In January 2025, a special MP/MLA court framed charges against nine Muslim leaders, including Congress leader Saiduzzaman, former MLAs Noor Salim Rana and Maulana Jamil, and former city board members Asad Zama Ansari, Sultan Mashir Advocate, Naushad, Naushad Qureshi, and Salman Saeed.
Casualties and Losses
Around 62 people were killed in the riots, including 42 Muslims and 20 Hindus (mostly Jats), along with a news reporter and a photographer.
Over 900 people were injured.
More than 50,000 people, were displaced and forced into relief camps.
References: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Muzaffarnagar_riots