The atmosphere in Sambhal remains tense following the uproar over the survey at the grand Jama Masjid. A heavy police presence is currently deployed in the area. Meanwhile, Zafar Ali, the Jama Masjid’s president and legal adviser, has accused the administration of being responsible for the city’s current turmoil. He claimed that during the survey, the local administration officer insisted on removing the water used for ablution from the mosque, leading to misinformation spreading outside and a crowd gathering.
According to Zafar Ali, people became enraged due to the actions of the local officials and gathered in large numbers outside the mosque. The situation escalated into a full-blown conspiracy by the officials involved, with the crowd mistakenly believing that an excavation was taking place inside.
Zafar Ali stated the mosque's survey had been completed by November 19. However, the officials announced another survey unexpectedly on the following Sunday. Following requests from the local police chief and district magistrate, Ali appealed to the public to remain calm. While 75% of the crowd left after his appeal, a few remained.
Police Statement on Sambhal Violence
After a night-long police raid in Sambhal, no new incidents have been reported today. According to the Deputy Inspector General of the Muradabad range, 21 people, including two women, have been detained. The police affirm that arrests will be made against those for whom evidence is found, with the potential application of the National Security Act.
In the chaos yesterday, four people lost their lives, and 20 policemen along with four senior officers were injured. The raids uncovered some illegal weapons along with live ammunition from various locations. Currently, police forces from 30 stations across the Muradabad range, as well as paramilitary forces and rapid action forces, are stationed in Sambhal. Internet services and educational institutions remain closed.
Source: aajtak
Cases Filed Against 800 Rioters in Sambhal Violence
In connection to the Sambhal violence, police have registered seven FIRs, indicting a total of 800 individuals. Charges have also been filed against Sambhal’s Member of Parliament, Ziaurrahman Barq, and the son of a local legislator, Sohail Iqbal. CCTV footage is being scrutinized, and drone images have been used to identify the rioters. Presently, Section 163 (formerly 144) is imposed in Sambhal, restricting entry for outsiders until December 1.
Following a district court's order, a renewed survey within Sambhal's grand Jama Masjid took place on Sunday. During this survey, a large crowd suddenly gathered outside the mosque, chanting slogans. Subsequently, they began hurling stones at the police and setting vehicles on fire. In response, the police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.
In the resulting violence, four individuals lost their lives. The deceased have been identified as Naim, Bilal Ansari, Nauman, and Mohammad Kaif. Nauman and Bilal Ansari were laid to rest at 11 PM. A complaint concerning the violence has been submitted to the National Human Rights Commission. Political debates have erupted following the incident.
