The Uttar Pradesh (UP) administration has released photographs of several rioters involved in a violent rampage in Sambhal on Sunday. The attackers targeted both the police and a mosque survey team, leaving four youths dead and dozens injured, including over a dozen police officers.
The violence erupted when a mob gathered outside the 16th-century Shahi Jama Masjid to protest a court-ordered survey. Among the rioters, three women accuse of playing a key role in escalating the violence by helping stone-pelters during the deadly confrontation.
Violence And Vandalism In Sambhal
The violent mob stormed the area as an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team conducted the survey of the mosque, as mandated by the court. The protest turn into chaos as vehicles, including police cars, set on fire, prompting retaliatory action from the police.
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While investigating the attack, police sources reveal that the incident appear pre-planned, with some influential figures allegedly orchestrating the violence. One of the suspects state that women instruct to hurl stones at the police from rooftops, further intensifying the confrontation.
Government’s Response And Investigation
After the unrest, the UP government vow to take strict action against the rioters involve in the arson, destruction, and vandalism in the Kot Garvi area, at the mosque. A magisterial inquiry is underway, and the police are combing through CCTV and drone footage to identify the culprits.
To date, 27 individuals have been arrested, with over 100 others identified for their involvement in pelting stones at police officers. The government has made it clear that those responsible for the violence will face legal consequences.
Arrests And Political Repercussions
Among those booked for alleged involvement in the riots are Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, the son of Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood. The framing of charges against the two has sparked a political debate, with opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav blaming the state administration for the violence, while the ruling BJP accuses the SP lawmakers of inciting the mob.
CCTV Footage And Legal Action
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have released images of individuals identified in the CCTV footage from the day of the riot. The authorities have urged the public to assist in identifying these suspects. Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (MoS) Dharmveer Prajapati confirm that the miscreants track using footage, and the government is determine to take strict action against them.
“The situation in Sambhal is under control,” Prajapati said in a statement. “There is no place for violence in Uttar Pradesh, and we will not allow these miscreants to go unpunished. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in this pre-planned conspiracy.”
Political Tensions Escalate
The unrest in Sambhal is link to a court-order survey of the Jama Masjid, with petitions claiming that a Hindu temple once stood at the site. The controversy has sparked tensions, with political leaders now pointing fingers at each other over their roles in the unrest.
With the situation gradually returning to normal, the UP government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring justice for the victims of the violence. As of now, over 2,750 individuals remain unidentify but name in multiple FIRs connected to the case.
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