Zafar Ali returns to Sambhal after getting bail from Allahabad High Court; residents claim injustice and demand answers for police action during the November violence in which five Muslims were killed
NEW DELHI/SAMBHAL — Zafar Ali, the head of the Sambhal Jama Masjid Committee and a prominent lawyer, who had been in jail for 131 days following the violence during the mosque survey last November, was released from Moradabad jail on Friday.
The Allahabad High Court granted him bail last week, and he finally walked free, returning to Sambhal in a convoy, welcomed by hundreds of Muslims, many of them young men, showering him with flowers and praise.
“This is the blessing of Allah and justice by the court,” said Zafar Ali, speaking to reporters shortly after his release. “I have full faith in the law. My arrest was unfair, but I stood firm because I know we are not wrong.”
Upon his arrival in Sambhal, the mood among the Muslim community turned emotional and festive. In a display of support, local youth carried Zafar Ali on their shoulders and led a large procession through the streets, chanting slogans and distributing sweets. Fireworks were also set off in parts of the city.
“Zafar Bhai is not just our leader, he’s our voice,” said Faizan Qureshi, a resident. “Putting him in jail was a way to silence us, but they failed. We stand with him, always.”
Local shopkeepers were seen closing their shops briefly to join the gathering, which was entirely peaceful and was organised under heavy police presence.
The conflict dates back to November last year when a survey was being conducted at the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The police claimed it was a routine land inspection, but Muslim residents saw it as an attempt to question the mosque’s legitimacy.
Tensions escalated rapidly on the day of the survey. Eyewitnesses claim that police used unnecessary force and fired at unarmed civilians. Five Muslims reportedly died in police firing. Over 80 Muslims were arrested, many of them still behind bars.
“They killed our people and jailed the rest,” said Mohammad Irfan, uncle of a victim. “Even after so many months, no action has been taken against the officers who fired bullets. Why this silence?”
Police, however, continue to deny using live ammunition and instead blame “outsiders” for provoking the crowd.
Adding fuel to the fire, certain Hindu groups have claimed that the Jama Masjid was built over a demolished temple, calling for its re-survey and legal challenge. These statements have deeply angered Muslims in the area.
“This is not about history; it’s about targeting Muslims again and again,” said Saleha Parveen, a school teacher. “Today it’s Sambhal, tomorrow it’ll be another mosque. This is being done to create fear among us.”
Zafar Ali had been vocal about such claims in the past and had legally challenged what he called a “planned campaign” to stir communal tension.
Zafar Ali was arrested in March this year. According to his legal team, there was no evidence linking him to any violence or planning. He was accused of “instigating the crowd” and “creating disturbance”, charges that were widely criticised by civil society groups and Muslim organisations.
“This was a case of punishing someone for speaking the truth,” said Advocate Saif Mahmood, part of Zafar’s legal team. “His name was dragged into it because he was defending the mosque legally and openly opposing baseless claims.”
The high court observed the lack of strong evidence and ordered his release on bail last week.
The Muslim community in Sambhal is now demanding an impartial investigation into the violence, particularly the use of bullets and the arrests made afterward.
“We want a judicial inquiry. Who gave the order to fire? Who will be held responsible for the deaths?” asked Farzana Begum, mother of one of the deceased.
Local human rights activists have also stepped in. “We are collecting witness accounts and medical records to prepare a report,” said Imran Ali, an activist from Moradabad. “If needed, we’ll approach the National Human Rights Commission.”
Despite repeated requests, senior police officials have declined to comment on Zafar Ali’s release or the demands for an inquiry. One local officer, on the condition of anonymity, said, “We are watching the situation closely. No one is above the law.”
With Zafar Ali’s release, the tension has not ended—only paused. His supporters say they will continue their peaceful fight to protect the mosque and demand justice for the lives lost.
“The truth will come out,” said Zafar Ali, standing among his supporters. “We will not bow down. Our mosque is our pride, and we will not allow anyone to take it away from us.”
