The violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday, which resulted in four deaths and 20 injuries, has sparked a political storm both inside and outside Parliament. On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh government announced stringent measures, including making the rioters pay for the damages and displaying their posters in public spaces. The announcement came as tensions remained high in the region, with a 48-hour extension of the internet ban for precautionary reasons.
Police Action and Investigation
The police have set up 30 teams to identify and arrest the suspects using CCTV footage, releasing over 100 images of alleged rioters from the Kot Garvi area. Despite the reopening of markets and schools, the internet ban remains in place. The violence erupted on Sunday when protests near a mosque turned violent after a court-ordered survey, sparked by claims that a Hindu temple once stood at the site. The clashes led to stone pelting, arson, and injuries to police personnel.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has prompted political reactions, particularly from the opposition. In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members called for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the violence. This led to the adjournment of both Houses of Parliament without conducting any substantial business. Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders, including MP Dimple Yadav, demanded a discussion on the issue in Parliament, accusing the police and administration of inhuman behavior. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also alleged police misconduct, accusing officers of threatening the family of one of the victims, Naeem, and forcibly taking thumb impressions on blank papers.
FIRs and Arrests
The police have registered seven FIRs in connection with the violence, naming several individuals, including Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, and local MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal, among others. The police have arrested 25 people so far and continue their investigation. Zia-ur-Rehman, who has been named in an FIR for allegedly inciting the mob, denied the allegations, claiming he was not present during the incident and criticized the police for opening fire on citizens.
Court Orders and Claims of Misunderstanding
In the wake of the violence, the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee raised concerns about the legality of the mosque’s survey, claiming it was carried out unlawfully. Gopal Sharma, a lawyer representing the Hindu side, defended the survey, explaining that it was ordered by an advocate commissioner and was necessary for videography. He also refuted claims of excavation, clarifying that the draining of water from the ablution tank was a procedural step.
UP Government’s Response
Uttar Pradesh ministers Dharmaveer Prajapati and Narendra Kashyap emphasized that rioters would be held accountable for damages, with the government planning to display posters of the alleged “stone-pelters.” This approach, they said, was similar to measures taken during the anti-CAA protests in 2020. A magisterial probe into the violence is underway, and authorities are assessing the damage to public property.
Sambhal MLA Speaks Out
SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood, whose son has been named in the FIR, expressed concerns about the speed at which the court ordered the survey and the lack of an opportunity for clarification. He explained that the unrest started when the police gathered near the Jama Masjid, leading to misunderstandings and violence. He urged the authorities to show footage of his son’s alleged involvement in the violence.
Travel Restrictions and Tension in Sambhal
An Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) delegation, which was headed for Sambhal, was stopped in Hapur district. The police have advised the public to avoid visiting Sambhal until November 30, citing ongoing security concerns. The situation in Sambhal remains tense, with investigations and court proceedings continuing as the region grapples with the aftermath of the violence.
