Siyana riot case accused becomes BJP’s zonal president in Bulandshahr

BJP Uttar Pradesh unit has appointed Sachin Ahlawat, a key figure in the 2018 Siyana arson case, as the zonal president in Bulandshahr. Ahlawat, currently out on bail, faces charges of rioting and assault related to the violent incident that resulted in the death of a police inspector and another individual.

The 38-year-old, now the president of BB Nagar Mandal, claims innocence, stating that he was falsely implicated in the case. According to Ahlawat, he had gone to the spot to investigate the alleged cow slaughter incident in his village, Mahav, where the violence erupted.

He argues that he was merely present at the scene and was wrongly accused due to being captured in photographs and videos.

Ahlawat's lawyer, Ashok Dagar, clarified that his client has not been charged with murder, unlike six others among the 44 accused in the riot case. The trial is ongoing, with four prosecution witnesses already recorded.

The controversy surrounding Ahlawat deepens as allegations suggest he had tipped off the prime accused, Yogesh Raj, then Bajrang Dal convener, about the cow slaughter incident. This information reportedly led to a mob gathering at the site, demanding action. Ahlawat vehemently denies making such a call and claims that the police personnel used his cellphone to contact Raj.

Despite the serious nature of the accusations against Ahlawat, the BJP's Bulandshahr district president, Vikas Chauhan, defended the appointment, emphasizing Ahlawat's long association with the party and his participation in various agitations. Chauhan contends that Ahlawat was merely present at the scene and should not be judged as a professional criminal.

Ahlawat, who also serves as the pradhan of Mahav village and is involved in farming and dairy business, insists that he faced hardships during his three-month stint in jail following the arrest. He attributes his appointment as zonal president to his hard work and dedication to the BJP.

The Siyana arson case unfolded on December 3, 2018, when tensions escalated after cow carcasses were allegedly discovered in Mahav village. The incident led to a blockade of the highway to Bulandshahr, with villagers demanding action against those accused of cow slaughter.

Subodh Kumar Singh, the then Siyana police station in-charge, attempted to diffuse the situation, but the mob turned violent. Singh was brutally thrashed and subsequently shot dead with his service revolver. Another protester also lost his life during the chaos, leading to a separate murder FIR against unnamed persons.

As the BJP's decision to appoint Ahlawat raises eyebrows, questions arise about the party's stance on individuals facing serious criminal charges.