BJP MLA Sangeet Som’s judicial custody extended by 14 days

A local court on Friday extended till October 18 judicial custody of BJP MLA Sangeet Som, accused of uploading a fake video that played a role in provoking communal tension in Muzaffarnagar and making inflammatory speeches. Chief Judicial magistrate Kiran Pal Singh extended the judicial remand of Som, who was produced in court on the expiry of his 14-day custody.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has withdrawn its order to lodge Som in Urai district jail and MLA Suresh Rana, arrested in connection with the riots, in Banda district jail, official sources said.

The state government has shifted both the MLAs to Muzaffarnagar district jail after they approached the court contending that they could not be lodged in jail outside Muzaffarnagar district without the court’s permission, the sources said.

A showcause notice was issued by the court to the jail authorities on the MLAs’ complaints.