Sambhal violence was pre-planned, driven by political ambitions: Judicial panel
The judicial commission probing the November 2024 Sambhal violence has concluded that the unrest was the result of a pre-planned conspiracy. The report names several
The judicial commission probing the November 2024 Sambhal violence has concluded that the unrest was the result of a pre-planned conspiracy. The report names several individuals, including Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq, Suhail Iqbal, the son and representative of local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, advocate Zafar Ali, advocate Masood Ali Farooqui, and other members of the Jama Masjid management committee, while detailing their alleged roles in the events leading up to the violence. Read Full Story According to the commission, misinformation was spread among members of the Muslim community regarding the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The report says this campaign led to the mobilisation of a large crowd outside the mosque on November 24, 2024, after which violence broke out.
The violence claimed four lives and left 28 police personnel injured, including seven who suffered gunshot wounds. The commission said the bullets that killed the four deceased were not fired by the police. The report further states that the mob resorted to stone-pelting, firing and arson during the violence. It also records that rioters attempted to snatch police weapons and other equipment. Referring to the findings of the inquiry, the commission said the violence was a planned act aimed at disrupting law and order. It noted that attempts were allegedly made to gather a crowd at the Jama Masjid, raise slogans such as "Nara-e-Takbeer", "Allahu Akbar" and "Gustakh-e-Nabi ki ek hi saza, sar tan se juda", and intimidate officials associated with the court-ordered survey.
Based on witness testimonies, the commission said the incident was orchestrated to assert control over the mosque and was driven by political ambitions. It alleged that the accused sought to obstruct the lawful survey ordered by the civil court and misrepresented the court's directions. The report also said petitions filed before the civil judge seeking directions for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regarding the protected monument were misrepresented. The commission observed that every citizen must respect the Constitution, court orders and the rule of law. It stated that threatening any individual, irrespective of allegations against them, is unacceptable, and that only courts have the authority to determine criminal liability and impose punishment in accordance with the law.
The report described the actions of the accused as an affront to the constitutional process and the administration of justice. It said the conduct amounted to an attempt to influence judicial proceedings through photographs, videos and misleading submissions, and stressed that such acts should be dealt with strictly under the law. The commission also endorsed the actions of the district administration and the police, describing their response during the violence as effective and restrained. It emphasised that strict compliance with court orders, adherence to the law and timely administrative action are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ends
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