Court orders release of Woman accused in violence; police claim arrest of ‘key conspirator’ as investigations continue
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL — A local court in Sambhal has acquitted Farhana Baizat, one of the four Muslim women accused in the deadly violence that erupted during a survey of the 500-year-old Shahi Masjid in November last year. The violent clashes led to killings of almost 5 people. While the police maintain that the deaths resulted from the actions of those opposing the survey, the victims’ families assert that police action was deliberate.
Farhana Baizat, arrested along with five others in late November, was accused of stone-pelting at the police from her rooftop during the violence. However, after a thorough investigation, the court found no evidence to substantiate the charges against her. The chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday runs over 1,200 pages, detailing the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Farhana’s lawyer, Ghani Anwar, praised the impartiality of the investigation. He expressed gratitude towards the police officials, including the police captain and the DIG of the area, who ensured a fair process. “The administration conducted the investigation impartially, and no evidence was found against Farhana,” Anwar said. Following the court’s decision, Farhana was released on a bond of Rs 1 lakh.
The violence in Sambhal last November had been a flashpoint in an already tense atmosphere surrounding the Shahi Masjid, with claims that it was a former Hindu temple. The violence that ensued saw scores of people arrested, including 79 individuals who remain in jail, while hundreds more remain at large. The police continue to search for these absconding suspects, many of whom have had posters displayed in public as part of an ongoing manhunt.
“About 2,500 to 3,000 people were involved in the violence that took place in Sambhal on November 24,” said Krishna Kumar, the Superintendent of Police. “79 individuals involved in the violence have been arrested so far, and posters have been put up for the remaining accused. The investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”
However, despite the ongoing police efforts, allegations have surfaced regarding the treatment of local Muslims, with claims that an atmosphere of fear has caused many to flee the area, including elderly residents and women. Asaduddin Owaisi, head of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), voiced his concerns on social media, claiming that the Muslims of Sambhal are being subjected to harassment and oppression.
“The atmosphere of fear and oppression is so severe that people are being forced to leave their homes,” Owaisi wrote on ‘X,’ fueling the narrative of forced migration. In response, the police have downplayed the claims, suggesting that those leaving the area could potentially be individuals involved in the violence.
Amidst these developments, the police have announced a significant breakthrough in their investigation. Gulam, an associate of Shariq Sata—identified by the police as the mastermind behind the Sambhal violence—was arrested on Thursday. According to police, Gulam had confessed his role in the violence and his involvement in a conspiracy to murder Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, a prominent figure representing the temple side in temple-mosque matters.
“Gulam, who has a criminal record with more than 20 serious cases against him, has admitted his role in the violence and in the conspiracy to murder Vishnu Shankar Jain,” the police stated. His arrest is expected to shed further light on the chain of events that led to the deadly clash in Sambhal.
While the investigation continues, the socio-political atmosphere in Sambhal remains charged. With multiple political and religious figures weighing in on the issue, tensions have escalated further. The arrest of key figures and the ongoing search for those still at large only serve to deepen the divide between the communities.
The violence that took place in November has left a lasting impact on the town of Sambhal, and the aftermath continues to unfold with each passing day. Farhana Baizat’s release has come as a ray of hope for the Muslim community in the area, but questions remain about the larger implications of this case on the local and national political landscape. The investigation into the violence is far from over, and the accused, whether in custody or on the run, are expected to face serious charges as the legal proceedings progress.
As the story of Sambhal’s violence continues to develop, the region is caught in a broader debate over religious tensions, police conduct, and the ongoing struggles between communities. For now, Farhana Baizat’s acquittal marks a significant turning point in the case, but it is far from the end of the road for those seeking justice and accountability in Sambhal.
