Zafar Ali, President of Sambhal Mosque Committee, Arrested for 2024 Violence
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Synopsis
Zafar Ali, president of the Shahi Mosque Committee in Sambhal, was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police for his role in inciting violence that led to multiple fatalities and injuries during a mob incident last year. His arrest follows investigations into rioting and other criminal charges stemming from the November 2024 violence.
Key Takeaways
- Zafar Ali arrested for inciting violence in Sambhal.
- Violence led to four deaths and numerous injuries.
- Ali faces multiple charges including rioting and evidence fabrication.
- He is suspected of being a key figure in planning the unrest.
- Police investigations continue into property-related crimes.
Sambhal, March 23 (NationPress) Zafar Ali, the head of the Shahi Mosque Committee, was taken into custody on Sunday by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Uttar Pradesh Police for allegedly inciting a violent mob in Sambhal on November 24 of the previous year, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left many others injured.
The president of the mosque committee faces charges including rioting and fabricating evidence with the intent to secure someone's conviction, among other allegations, as stated by the police.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra, Ali's arrest came after his statement was recorded at Sambhal Kotwali in relation to the violent events.
Ali is expected to appear in court on Monday following a medical examination.
The police noted that Ali's questioning began last evening, after which he was permitted to return home for prayer.
“His questioning resumed on Sunday morning, which led to his arrest,” remarked a police officer.
Ali has been detained under legal provisions concerning rioting, the use of force or violence by an unlawful assembly, obstructing a public servant in their duties, jeopardizing the safety of others, and causing property damage.
This arrest is part of one of the twelve cases filed by the state police against 159 individuals linked to the Sambhal riots, which reportedly involved the use of illegal foreign-made firearms.
Law enforcement considers him one of the key figures behind the violence, which was allegedly orchestrated shortly after he learned about an impending survey of the historic mosque by archaeology officials, according to a police source.
Authorities are also investigating his involvement in inciting local residents against a survey that was abruptly halted on November 19, 2024.
The disturbances included gunfire, stone-throwing, and arson in Nakhasa Tiraha, Kotgarvi, and Hindupura Kheda areas during the archaeological assessment.
Following the unrest last year, multiple families evacuated the area, leaving their homes secured.
Police suspect that some property owners and their relatives were complicit in the violence.
Investigations are underway regarding claims that some residents engaged in panic selling of their properties near the mosque, fearing demolition.
Criminal elements exploited these fears to seize control of numerous properties, approximately 300, which have remained locked since November.
