Barq criticised the police actions, calling them an attempt to intimidate the Muslim community
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL — The political and legal troubles of SP MP Ziaur Rehman Barq from Sambhal continue to escalate following recent violence in the district. Allegations of unauthorised construction, electricity theft, and administrative scrutiny have placed Barq at the centre of a controversy that has deepened community tensions.
The latest development involves a notice issued by Sadar SDM Dr. Vandana Mishra, accusing Barq of constructing a house without obtaining the requisite map approval. District Magistrate (DM) Dr Rajendra Pansia confirmed the notice, stating, “A notice has been issued regarding the construction of a house without proper approval.”
Barq, however, denied prior knowledge of the notice. “I have not received any official communication, but if a notice is sent, I will respond accordingly,” he said, refuting the allegations of irregularities.
The allegations come on the heels of violent unrest in Sambhal on November 24, which erupted over a survey of the Jama Masjid. The police have since intensified their crackdown, conducting raids in search of individuals allegedly involved in the violence.
DM Pansia and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi led search operations in the areas of Deepa Sarai and Timardas Sarai. These operations uncovered firearms and ammunition and led to multiple detentions. Authorities also demolished encroachments, including a shop where an illegal electric pole was discovered, as part of their enforcement measures.
Barq criticised the police actions, calling them an attempt to intimidate the Muslim community. “The bulldozer operation is being used to create fear among Muslims. Innocent people are being accused and punished without evidence,” he said.
This is not the first time Barq has faced administrative scrutiny. Earlier, an FIR was registered against him in connection with the Sambhal violence. Additionally, accusations of electricity theft involving a pole near his residence further compounded his challenges.
The latest charge of unauthorised construction has sparked a new wave of criticism. Activists and political opponents have seized on the issue, demanding accountability and transparency.
Barq, known for his outspoken criticism of government policies, has vowed to raise what he calls “atrocities against Muslims” in Parliament. “This government’s actions are targeting Muslims unjustly. I will not stay silent and will take this issue to the Lok Sabha,” he declared.
The developments have deepened the rift between local authorities and the Muslim community in Sambhal. Supporters of Barq view the actions as politically motivated, while others argue that the law must be enforced impartially.
A resident of Deepa Sarai, who requested anonymity, said, “The recent operations seem selective. There are many cases of illegal constructions, but only certain areas are targeted.”
Others, however, support the administration’s actions. “If rules have been violated, they must face the consequences, no matter who they are,” said a local activist advocating for strict enforcement of building regulations.
The controversy surrounding Barq is reflective of a larger trend of administrative actions and political disputes involving Muslim leaders in Uttar Pradesh. Critics argue that such incidents undermine communal harmony and erode trust in law enforcement agencies.
Barq’s supporters maintain that the actions against him are part of a broader campaign to silence dissenting voices. Meanwhile, the authorities insist that their operations are aimed solely at upholding the rule of law.
As the district administration prepares for further legal proceedings, including Barq’s response to the notice, the case continues to attract widespread attention. Whether the situation escalates or finds resolution will depend on how both sides navigate the legal and political dimensions of the issue.
The next hearing on the matter, expected in the coming weeks, will likely shed more light on the allegations and their implications for Sambhal’s volatile political landscape.
