The 23 accused include Ziaur Rahman Barq and Zafar Ali, raising concerns over biased policing during the mosque survey
NEW DELHI/SAMBHAL — The communal tensions that erupted during the second phase of Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid survey on 24 November last year have culminated in a controversial chargesheet being filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The chargesheet names 23 accused, including Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament (MP) Ziaur Rahman Barq and the chief of the Jama Masjid committee, Zafar Ali. The developments have stirred a fresh wave of outrage and concern within the Muslim community, many of whom see this as an extension of the ongoing targeting and unfair treatment of Muslims under the current political climate.
The centuries-old Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal has long been a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and religious identity of the local population. The government’s decision to carry out the second phase of a survey of the mosque sparked tension in the community. Thousands of residents gathered at the site that day, protesting against what they viewed as an intrusive and politically motivated move aimed at undermining their religious rights.
According to police reports, the gathering quickly turned violent, with stones being thrown and police allegedly firing back. Tragically, five Muslims lost their lives in the clash, and several vehicles were burned. The authorities have since claimed that the protesters were responsible for the violence and the deaths.
The SIT has filed the chargesheet in the Chandausi court, naming 23 individuals accused of conspiring to instigate violence and causing obstruction, arson, and damage to public property.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Bishnoi told IANS: “On November 24, 2024, twelve FIRs were registered in Sambhal district under court orders relating to obstruction, violence, and arson during the survey. Of these, seven were police-registered, and five were public complaints. Chargesheets have been filed in all cases.”
He added, “The most significant among these is the chargesheet against MP Ziaur Rahman Barq for conspiracy to cause violence under Sections 335/24. Another accused, Suhail Iqbal, was found present at the scene, but after questioning and examination of evidence, no proof was found against him. So far, 23 people have been arrested and sent to jail.”
Despite the police’s version of events, many residents and Muslim leaders question the accuracy and fairness of the chargesheet. The community argues that the police used excessive force and that the violence was a result of the administration’s heavy-handed approach to what was essentially a peaceful protest against the survey.
Zafar Ali expressed his dismay. “We were gathered peacefully to protect our sacred mosque and our rights. The violence was provoked by the police firing on innocent people. It is unfair that community leaders like me and MP Barq are being targeted instead of the real perpetrators,” he said.
Barq, who has been vocal about minority rights, also responded, “This chargesheet is a politically motivated attempt to silence the voice of the Muslim community in Sambhal. We demand a fair investigation and justice for the victims of police brutality.”
The Sambhal case is not an isolated incident but fits into a wider pattern of harassment faced by Muslims in parts of India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The community feels increasingly alienated by government policies and police actions that appear to disproportionately target Muslims under the pretext of law and order.
Human rights organisations have frequently criticised the Uttar Pradesh police for their handling of communal incidents, accusing them of bias and complicity with majoritarian political agendas. The Sambhal violence has only added to these concerns.
A local activist, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “Muslims in Sambhal and elsewhere live under constant fear. The chargesheet against community leaders for standing up to injustice is a clear attempt to intimidate the entire community. The police and administration need to be held accountable for their actions on that day.”
The chargesheet has sent shockwaves through the local Muslim community, with many fearing that the judicial process will be skewed against them. Families of those killed during the violence continue to grieve, demanding justice for their loved ones rather than blame being shifted onto peaceful protesters.
Imam Abdul Rahman of a nearby mosque commented, “The loss of lives is tragic. But blaming the entire Muslim community and its leaders is unjust. We urge the government to ensure a transparent and fair trial, and to investigate the use of force by the police.”
Community organisations have begun mobilising support for the accused and the victims’ families, demanding an impartial inquiry and protection of minority rights. They also call for dialogue between the administration and community leaders to resolve all the issues peacefully.
The case is now in court, with the police seeking a speedy trial. However, the accused and their supporters are preparing to challenge the charges, highlighting what they claim are inconsistencies and a lack of evidence in the police narrative.
SP Krishna Bishnoi indicated, “The police have collected evidence showing that Zafar Ali and MP Barq communicated late into the night before the survey and were involved in gathering the crowd on November 22. The authorities will push for a trial to bring those responsible to justice.”
Critics argue that this approach ignores the root causes of the unrest — the community’s grievances over the mosque survey and the police’s violent response.
The Sambhal violence case highlights the fragile situation of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, caught between asserting their religious and civil rights and facing state action that many see as punitive and unjust. The judicial system must operate impartially, giving the accused a fair hearing and addressing the concerns of the Muslim community with sensitivity.
Locals remain hopeful that justice will prevail. “We only want peace and to live in harmony with our neighbours. But peace cannot come without justice,” an elderly resident said.
