Uttar Pradesh Government Initiates New Inquiry into 1978 Sambhal Riots, Report Expected Within a Week
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New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) The government of Uttar Pradesh has mandated a new investigation into the riots that occurred in Sambhal in 1978, instructing law enforcement to deliver a report within a week.
The Superintendent of Police (SP) received a communication from the Deputy Secretary of the Home (Police) Department, designating an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) to spearhead the investigation. Furthermore, the SP has contacted the District Magistrate (DM), urging the appointment of an administrative officer to facilitate a joint inquiry.
On January 7, SP KK Bishnoi addressed a letter to Sambhal District Officer Dr. Rajendra Pensia, indicating that UP Legislative Council member Shrichandra Sharma has called for an inquiry into the 1978 riots in Sambhal. This request has been supported by correspondence from UP's Deputy Secretary of Home and the Superintendent of Police (Human Rights).
In light of these developments, Sambhal SP Shrichandra will participate in the investigation on behalf of the police.
The 1978 riots in Sambhal reportedly resulted in severe communal discord, characterized by widespread violence, arson, and the forced migration of numerous Hindu families. Eyewitnesses have recounted that many Hindus lost their lives during the riots, compelling them to abandon the area.
This renewed focus on the riots emerges shortly after the reopening of the ancient Kartik Mahadev Temple in Sambhal, which had remained closed for 46 years. The temple's reopening followed a violent episode during a survey at Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024.
Former residents who had fled due to the riots shared their traumatic stories and expressed their support for the temple's reopening, viewing it as a significant move towards justice and reconciliation.
The collaborative investigation seeks to illuminate the occurrences of 1978 and guarantee accountability for the violence.
