Arrest of Zafar Ali, Chief of Sambhal Mosque, Sparks Lawyer Protests
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Synopsis
In Sambhal, advocates protested against the unlawful arrest of Zafar Ali by the UP SIT. They claim the charges are baseless and fear a wider unrest if oppression continues. Heavy security was deployed around the mosque to maintain order.
Key Takeaways
- Protest against unlawful arrest
- Zafar Ali's role in riots under scrutiny
- Lawyers united in support
- Increased security measures in Sambhal
- Concerns over property safety post-riots
Sambhal, March 24 (NationPress) On Monday, lawyers in Sambhal organized a 'pen-down' protest in response to the unlawful detention of Zafar Ali, the chief of the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee and a prominent lawyer, by the Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Ali's arrest is linked to a criminal conspiracy surrounding the turmoil that unfolded on November 24, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries.
The authorities have charged Ali with inciting violence and fabricating evidence aimed at achieving wrongful convictions, among other accusations.
Several attorneys at the Sambhal court expressed their strong disapproval of his arrest and proceeded to lead a rally through the marketplace, chanting slogans against the police.
Advocate Shakeel Ahmad emphasized to reporters, “Zafar Ali has been wrongfully arrested. There is no FIR against him, and the charges are baseless. He is our senior counsel, and all advocates are standing with him. If this oppression continues, protests will spread across Uttar Pradesh and the entire country.”
Ahmad also alleged that Ali's arrest was intended to prevent him from testifying against the police in a Lucknow court on Monday.
The legal community further engaged in a “pen-down” protest, refusing to perform their legal duties until Ali is freed.
Advocate Amit Uthbal remarked, “The entire advocate community is united against the police. We stand with Zafar Ali and will continue our protest.”
In response to Ali's arrest, significant security measures have been implemented around the Shahi Jama Masjid, with personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) deployed in the vicinity. The administration is closely monitoring the area through CCTV and drone surveillance to uphold law and order, and a precautionary flag march was conducted.
Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary informed IANS, “The route march is a routine procedure to ensure peace and order. Lawyers have the right to protest.”
Ali faces multiple charges, including rioting, obstructing public officials, jeopardizing public safety, and causing property damage. His arrest relates to one of 12 FIRs filed against 159 individuals following the Sambhal riots.
According to police sources, Ali is believed to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating the violence, which ignited after he learned of a proposed survey of the historical mosque by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). His involvement in inciting local opposition to the survey, which was abruptly halted on November 19, 2024, is also under scrutiny.
During the riots, it was reported that rioters utilized illegal foreign-made firearms, and incidents of gunfire, stone-pelting, and arson occurred in Nakhasa Tiraha, Kotgarvi, and Hindupura Kheda.
In the aftermath of the violence, several families fled the region, and approximately 300 properties remain abandoned. The police suspect that panic selling of properties took place due to rumors of demolitions, and individuals with criminal records exploited the chaos to seize properties.
