The Mulayam government has finally registered an FIR against independent MLA from Mau, Mukhtar Ansari, who has been charged by the Opposition and residents here for playing an ‘‘incendiary role’’ in the riots that broke out on Friday, claiming 12 lives and leaving around 100 people injured.However, Ansari has evaded arrest so far with police carrying raids at various locations here. In fact, even as the raids were on, Ansari was talking to reporters at his residence in Ghazipur, around 39 km from here.‘‘I have been framed by people with vested interests. I am ready for a CBI probe.a conspiracy has been hatched against me. I will help in the inquiry that has been ordered by the Chief Minister to find out if I had played any role in the riots,’’ he said.DIG Yashpal Singh, who reached here today with State Principal Secretary (Home), Anil Sinha, confirmed that an FIR has been registered against Ansari. ‘‘He will be arrested soon. Nobody will be spared for whipping up the communal sentiments of people in Mau,’’ he said.‘‘We have conducted raids at his hideouts but he is not in town and is believed to be taking refuge elsewhere,’’ said DM Mukesh Mishra.Police have also launched a crackdown to arrest those involved in the rioting and arson over the last four days. ‘‘We are also checking the role of those who had earlier been booked during riots in Mau,’’ said DM Mishra.Meanwhile, Mau town—under curfew—is fast returning to normal with no reports of violence from any part. ‘‘There will be no relaxation in curfew tomorrow but we have decided that essential commodities will be made available during select hours for children and women. But men who venture out will be arrested,’’ said Mishra.
