1987 Meerut communal riots

According to Online Encyclopedia of Mass Violence, the tension started in 1986 when the black seal of the disputed structure commonly known as Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was opened by the Government which angered Muslims and some hateful speeches and brainwashing were also poured into the mind of the Muslims.[4] Disputed structure commonly known as Babri Masjid and RamJanmabhoomi controversy created huge communal tension in Uttar Pradesh. It is alleged by Hindus that the disputed structure commonly known as Babri Masjid was constructed by Babur after the demolition of a Ram Mandir back in 1528 A.D but Muslims believe that there is no evidence of a mandir being there before.[5]

Inflammatory speeches during a rally held in March 1987 by the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee, a non-government organization representing Muslims created communal tensions in Meerut which led to communal clashes in April. 10 people died in these riots. The murder of a Hindu man due to a land dispute aggravated issues and was given a communal tinge. This resulted in additional police and subsequently the army and CRPF being called in to restore order.

The first acts of violence were between the police and Muslims but later on became a communal riot between Hindus and Muslims. A Hindu shop owner was stabbed to death by Muslim rioters during the violence between the police and the Muslim rioters which fueled anger in the Hindu community who retaliated. Instigating speeches were given from Loudspeakers in the Imiliyan Mosque. Dozens were killed in the next few days as the riots spread to Modinagar. Estimated property loss was around 50 crores. Hindu and Muslim doctors faced the wrath of their own community for treating patients of other community.[5]

According to People's Union for Civil Liberties, after a Muslim girl was crushed under police jeep; The Muslim mob became violent and lynched 4 police officers and also burnt another officer to death. This resulted in the police firing at the mob which killed several people. A mill was also attacked by the Muslim mob, killing almost dozen people inside including a famous local Hindu doctor named Dr Prabhat.[6][7] Some mischief creaters got control of the loudspeakers on the mosque and started exhorting people to gather together and to save Islam from the Hindus. Later on, Hindu mobs retaliated and attacked Muslim homes. This also lead Muslims to retaliate and also attack Hindu homes killing 23 Hindus in the process.

50 gazetted police officers and more than 60 companies of the PAC, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Army had to control the riots.[8] Many Hindus were burnt alive by a Muslim mob in villages on the outskirts of Meerut city.[6]

On 6 September 2018, the Delhi high court reserved its verdict in the case. On 31 October 2018, the Delhi HC convicted 16 former PAC personnel for life after finding them guilty of the murder of 42 people.[9]