Police claim his ‘wrong statements’ led to the unrest; Lawyers call the arrest ‘wrongful’
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL – Zafar Ali, the head of Shahi Jama Masjid in the Uttar Pradesh city of Sambhal, was arrested by police on Sunday following allegations that his “wrong statements” incited violence in the district.
Five people died in last November violence, allegedly in police firing, after protests erupted over the court-ordered survey of the mosque. Large-scale rioting broke out after the survey team arrived at the mosque, accompanied by several Hindutva members raising provocative and incendiary slogans.
Ali’s arrest has sparked protests from local lawyers, who claim the detention is unjust and politically motivated.
Before the arrest, Ali was detained and interrogated at the police station. Police officials allege that his remarks contributed to recent unrest in the area. “Violence took place in Sambhal due to his wrong statements,” a police spokesperson stated.
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from legal professionals in the district. Advocate Shakeel Ahmed, representing Ali, condemned the police action, saying, “He has been officially charged and is being taken to Chandausi. After his medical examination, we will apply for bail, and he will get bail. The police administration has wrongly arrested an innocent person. They had no right to arrest him.”
Following the arrest, Ali was taken to Chandausi for a medical examination before being presented in court. Heavy police and administrative presence was reported outside the hospital and court premises. Authorities are considering seeking remand for further interrogation, though if denied, Ali will be sent to judicial custody.
In response to the arrest, Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, along with Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Pradeep Verma, Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra, conducted a flag march in the city. They inspected CCTV cameras in key areas and markets to ensure security.
Police personnel have been deployed across the district to prevent any untoward incidents. “We are taking all necessary steps to maintain peace and order,” SP Bishnoi said during the march.
The arrest has heightened tensions in Sambhal, with residents and community leaders closely monitoring the situation. As the legal process unfolds, the case has become a focal point of debate over freedom of speech and the role of religious leaders in maintaining communal harmony.
