The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently interrogating Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barka regarding the violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh on November 24. A three-member SIT team, comprising officers of CO, Inspector, and Sub-Inspector rank, recorded the statements of MP Barka. Following the arrest of the Jama Masjid's Sadar (chief), questions about Barka's role in the incident arose, prompting the SIT to summon him for questioning on April 8.
Barka Faces Tough Questions
SIT has prepared over 100 questions for the Samajwadi Party MP Barka. Some of the key questions are as follows:
- Where were you on November 24 when the survey of the disputed structure was being conducted by court order? - Who did you speak with via phone or message from 6 am to 10 am on November 24? - Did you communicate with any other accused involved in the riots during this time? - What did you discuss with Zafar Ali, president of the Jama Masjid Committee? - Zafar Ali has stated in his police testimony that you asked him to gather a crowd the night before the survey. - Zafar Ali also claimed you instructed him to ensure the survey didn't take place at any cost. Is this true? - Why didn't you return to Sambhal for several days after the riots? Were you afraid of something? - Why were you using WhatsApp calls for communication instead of regular phone calls? - Zafar Ali told police you communicated four times via WhatsApp. What was the nature of these conversations? - When did you become aware of the ongoing survey of the disputed structure? - Did you summon the crowd that was present during the survey on November 19? - When you visited on November 19 during the first survey, were you invited by someone? - Were the statements made by you on that day under someone's influence or of your own volition? - You mentioned being in Bengaluru on the day of the riots. Why were you there?
Inquiry with the Mosque Chief
The interrogation of SP MP Barka is based largely on statements from Zafar Ali, the Jama Masjid's Sadar, given to the police. Zafar Ali, arrested on March 23 in relation to the violence, was questioned by the SIT. Investigations into Barka’s role are guided by Ali's claims.
Source: aajtak
Despite unwellness, Ziaur Rahman Barka, before heading for questioning, stated his commitment to assist in the investigation. He emphasized his belief in law, constitution, and faith in the judiciary.
FIR Filed Against Sambhal MP
SP MP Barka is named as an accused in the Sambhal violence case. Recently, SP Sambhal announced that notice under section 41(A) would be issued for interrogation to determine Barka's conversations before and after the violence. The Jama Masjid survey in Sambhal triggered intense unrest, involving arson and stone-pelting.
The confrontation between protesters and police resulted in fatalities and injuries to over 20 security personnel. Following the incident, local authorities closed schools and imposed an internet blackout.
