Zia-ur-Rehman, MP from SP, Seeks Legal Intervention in Sambhal Violence Incident
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New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party MP, Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, has submitted a petition to the Allahabad High Court, aiming for a suspension of his arrest and the annulment of an FIR linked to the unrest that occurred in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh during a court-ordered examination of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
Barq contends that his arrest would result in "irreparable loss" and has described the accusations against him as politically motivated.
Refuting his involvement in the violence, which resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries, including 22 police officers, the Sambhal MP accused the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh of utilizing this case as a tool for harassment.
Barq also claimed that he was not present in Sambhal during the time of the violence or the survey, asserting that he was in Bengaluru.
He mentioned his intention to return to Sambhal to help restore calm but opted to stay in Delhi after hearing about the FIR.
Despite his absence, Barq stated that he communicated with community members via phone to advocate for peace.
The unrest in Sambhal began following a local court's order for a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid due to assertions that the site formerly housed a temple.
The situation escalated into stone-throwing and arson against law enforcement, resulting in injuries to over 20 police officials and significant damage to vehicles.
Barq, along with Sohail Iqbal, the son of local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, has been implicated in the FIR. Authorities claim that Barq visited the mosque shortly before the violence and made inflammatory comments that incited the chaos.
Barq’s petition underscores his belief that the allegations are unfounded and motivated by political revenge, emphasizing the "vengeful" nature of the BJP-led administration in Uttar Pradesh. The case is now pending a ruling from the Allahabad High Court.
