Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 23: Zafar Ali, the chief of Jama Masjid Sadar and the Shahi Mosque Committee, was taken into custody by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday for questioning in connection with the violence that occurred in Sambhal on November 24, 2024.
Ali, along with his son, was summoned to the Sambhal Police Station earlier in the day for interrogation. He was then escorted to Chandausi for a medical examination under tight security. The police have heightened security in the area ahead of the legal proceedings, where both Ali and his son are to be presented in court.
Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary commented on the situation, saying, “There are no new arrangements made… Forces have been deployed to maintain peace… There is peace in the area…” This comes as part of continued efforts to ensure public order following the previous disturbances in the region.
The investigation stems from the violent incidents that broke out in Sambhal during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque, which led to widespread unrest in the area. The Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already filed a chargesheet of over 4,000 pages related to six of the 12 cases stemming from the violence on November 24.
The violence, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left several others injured, including both officials and locals, has been a point of significant concern. The chargesheet lists 159 accused individuals and reveals that the weapons found at the scene were manufactured in several countries, including the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia.
Since the violent events of last November, the situation in Sambhal has remained calm, with no further incidents of unrest reported. During the recent Holi celebrations, the police maintained a strict security presence, conducting flag marches and taking additional steps to protect the Jama Masjid, including placing a tarpaulin sheet over the mosque to prevent any damage or vandalism.
Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain peace in the region, with ongoing legal proceedings related to the case.