Sambhal Mosque Violence Was Pre-Planned, Says Judicial Report

The violence that broke out during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, was the result of a pre-planned conspiracy, according to a judicial commission report.

The report, headed by retired Justice Devendra Kumar Arora, found that Sambhal MP Zia ur Rahman Barq, Suhail Iqbal, and office-bearers of the Jama Masjid Intazamia Committee played a key role in creating an atmosphere that led to the violence.

They allegedly spread misinformation, instigated the crowd, and prepared the ground for the clashes. The commission noted that preparations to create tension began immediately after the first phase of the mosque survey on November 19 remained incomplete.

The accused allegedly spread rumors among members of the Muslim community that the survey was an attempt to seize or demolish the mosque. However, the court order was limited to issues related to maintenance of the protected monument and public access under the Ancient Monuments law and did not authorize any action concerning ownership or demolition.

On the morning of November 24, a large crowd gathered around the mosque before raising slogans, pelting stones, opening fire, and setting vehicles on fire. Many members of the mob had covered their faces.

The commission also referred to the role of Jama Masjid Intazamia Committee president Zafar Ali, secretary Mashhood Ali Farooqui, and other committee office-bearers in the events leading to the violence. Four people were killed in the clashes.

However, the commission, citing postmortem and ballistic examination reports, concluded that none of the deaths was caused by police firing. It also noted that the families of the deceased had lodged cases against unidentified persons.

The report said 28 police personnel were injured in the violence, including seven who sustained bullet injuries. Several senior officers, including the Sambhal Superintendent of Police, were also hurt.

The mob allegedly attempted to snatch police weapons and other equipment during the clashes. The commission commended the district administration and police for their handling of the situation, saying adequate deployment of security personnel, barricading, and restrained use of force prevented the violence from escalating into a large-scale communal riot.

It observed that the police did not use lethal weapons, which helped avert wider unrest in the state. The report's findings have significant implications for the community and the authorities, highlighting the need for careful planning and communication to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Sambhal mosque survey violence was a tragic event that resulted in loss of life and property. The judicial commission's report provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the violence and the role of various individuals and groups.

The report's conclusions will likely be closely examined by the authorities and the community, and will inform efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining law and order, and the need for effective communication and planning to prevent violence and unrest.

The commission's report is a significant step towards understanding the causes of the violence and preventing similar incidents in the future. It is essential to learn from the report's findings and implement measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again.

In conclusion, the Sambhal mosque survey violence was a pre-planned conspiracy that resulted in loss of life and property. The judicial commission's report provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the violence and the role of various individuals and groups.

The report's conclusions will likely be closely examined by the authorities and the community, and will inform efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining law and order, and the need for effective communication and planning to prevent violence and unrest.