Court to Consider Zafar Ali's Bail Request in Mosque Protest Case Today
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Synopsis
A Sambhal court will review Zafar Ali's bail plea related to the mosque protest case. Ali, president of the Shahi Jama Masjid Management Committee, was arrested for allegedly inciting violence amidst unrest triggered by a court-ordered survey of the mosque.
Key Takeaways
- Zafar Ali arrested for allegedly inciting violence.
- Heavy security deployed around Shahi Jama Masjid.
- Ali linked to November 24 riots resulting in casualties.
- Police monitoring via CCTV and drone surveillance.
- Ongoing investigations into property seizures amid chaos.
New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) A court in Sambhal is set to review the bail application regarding the mosque protest case on Thursday, following the detention of Zafar Ali, the head of the Shahi Jama Masjid Management Committee, who was arrested on Sunday for allegedly inciting violence.
Zafar Ali's arrest occurred months after unrest erupted in Sambhal over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
He faces charges related to a criminal conspiracy linked to the violence on November 24, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and numerous injuries.
The police have charged Ali with inciting riots and fabricating evidence to secure wrongful convictions, among other allegations.
In response to Ali's arrest, extensive security measures were enforced around the Shahi Jama Masjid, with personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) deployed to the area.
The administration is actively overseeing the city through CCTV and drone surveillance to ensure public order.
Ali's arrest falls under multiple criminal codes, including rioting, obstructing public officials, endangering public safety, and causing property damage.
This incident is part of one of the twelve FIRs filed against 159 individuals following the Sambhal riots.
As per police sources, Ali was instrumental in orchestrating the violence that broke out after he learned of a planned survey of the historic mosque by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). His involvement in urging locals to resist the survey, which was abruptly halted on November 19, 2024, is also under investigation.
During the disturbances, rioters reportedly utilized illegal foreign-manufactured weapons, with reports of gunfire, stone-throwing, and arson occurring in Nakhasa Tiraha, Kotgarvi, and Hindupura Kheda.
In the wake of the riots, numerous families have vacated the area, leaving around 300 properties secured.
The police suspect that panic property sales ensued due to rumors regarding demolitions, and individuals with criminal histories exploited the chaos to seize properties.
