Samajwadi Party MP among 400 charged for violence in Sambhal
At least 25 people were arrested and seven cases filed against 400 individuals—after four people were killed in violence related to a mosque survey in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Among those charged are Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and Nawab Suhail Iqbal—son of party member Iqbal Mahmood. The clashes erupted between locals and police during court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid—which is at the heart of a legal dispute over its origins as a Hindu temple site.
Protesters resort to violence, police respond with force
The protesters also set vehicles ablaze and pelted stones at the police officers. The police then used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said "Barq's earlier statement worsened the situation." The authorities are now using drone footage to identify protestors and plan to charge them under the National Security Act (NSA).
Internet services suspended, schools closed in Sambhal
As a precautionary measure, internet services in Sambhal were suspended for 24 hours and schools were shut for students up to Class 12. Prohibitory orders have been issued barring outsiders from entering Sambhal till November 30. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya confirmed violations of these orders would be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Survey of Shahi Jama Masjid sparks legal dispute
The mosque's survey was first carried out last Tuesday after a petition alleged that a Harihar temple existed at the mosque's site. The survey was postponed to Sunday morning to prevent disruption of afternoon prayers. Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, a petitioner in the case, said an "advocate commission" conducted videography and photography of the site in accordance with court directives.
SP chief accuses BJP of orchestrating violence
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav blamed BJP and state administration for the violence to divert attention from alleged electoral malpractice. He asked why a second survey was needed and said it was done "to provoke emotions" and evade discussions on election issues. Meanwhile, Barq blamed the police for the violence, calling it a "part of a conspiracy." He demanded a murder case against them (police personnel) for allegedly firing from private arms.
