BJP felicitates riot-accused legislators

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday felicitated two of its legislators, accused of inciting violence during the Muzaffarnagar riots, at a rally by its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Agra.

Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana were accused of inciting violence during the riots in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district and are presently out on bail.

The two were given traditional 'pagadis' (traditional headgear), which is a mark of respect.

Som was accused of uploading a fake video that played a role in provoking communal tension in Muzaffarnagar and making inflammatory speeches.

Rana was arrested from Lucknow September 20 for his alleged role in fanning the communal violence.

Narendra Modi, who was the key attraction at the rally, was not present when the two were felicitated.