Sambhal mosque chief arrested following November 24 violence
What's the story
Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali has been taken into custody by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
He was taken into custody to record his version of the incident during which violence had broken out on November 24 last year.
Four people were killed and several injured, including police personnel, during protests against a court-ordered survey of the mosque.
Controversy
Mosque at center of controversy over ancient temple claim
The Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid has become the center of controversy after a petition claimed it was constructed on the site of an ancient Hindu temple.
The claim has triggered much debate and protests and was the cause of the violence on November 24 last year.
Sambhal Kotwali in-charge, Anuj Kumar Tomar, confirmed that Ali had been taken into custody when asked by PTI.
Confirmation
Arrest confirmed by Sambhal Kotwali in-charge
Zafar Ali was reportedly among the first to learn about the official survey in the area. On November 19 and again on November 24, he received advance notice, which led to large crowds gathering and subsequent violence.
He said the mosque president was also taken into custody for recording statements, and that his detention was indeed in connection to the November 24 violence.
The SIT is probing the incident as part of their efforts to uncover more details about it.