LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals accused in connection with the violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year.
According to an official statement, the cases were withdrawn under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a recommendation by Ladakh Police after a review of the investigations.
The violence in Leh had led to multiple cases of rioting and arson. Authorities said 87 people were identified as accused in the incidents, of whom 81 were arrested and subjected to criminal proceedings.
Police subsequently recommended withdrawal of charges against 20 accused in a case registered at Police Station Leh, and the proposal was approved by the Lieutenant Governor.
The administration said the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining peace and public order and would enable those relieved of the charges to move forward with their lives.
The development comes days after the Lieutenant Governor approved compensation for victims of the violence. On September 13, the administration sanctioned ₹15 lakh each for the next of kin of four persons who died in the unrest. It also approved ex gratia relief of ₹3 lakh for those who sustained major injuries and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Officials said the measures were aimed at supporting victims and their families and promoting reconciliation in the region.
Among those against whom cases have been withdrawn are 16 living accused and four individuals who have since died, according to the administration.