Court cites strong evidence, including CCTV footage
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — A local court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district has rejected the bail pleas of 15 individuals accused of involvement in violent clashes which erupted during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid last November. The violence, which left five Muslims dead and over 25 police personnel injured, has been a focal point of tension in the region.
Government lawyer Hariom Prakash Saini stated that Additional District Judge (II) Nirbhay Narayan Singh on Friday refused to grant bail to the accused, citing substantial evidence presented in court. “All the accused were identified in the CCTV footage, and their names were registered in the case by the complainant,” Saini said. The court noted that despite the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits unlawful assembly, the accused were part of the crowd. When asked to disperse, they allegedly refused and instead attacked the police with stones and firearms.
The violence erupted on the second day of the survey, which was ordered by a local court. The district administration had begun inspecting the Shahi Jama Masjid, which sparked unrest among residents. The situation quickly escalated, with protesters clashing with police, setting government vehicles on fire, and looting police equipment, including magazines and rubber bullets.
Among those denied bail are Aamir, Sameer, Yakub, Sajjaddin, Sajju, Mohammad Rehan, Naeem, Mohammad Gulfam, Mohammad Salim, Tehzeeb, Mohammad Ali, Shariq, Mohammad Firoz, and Mohammad Shadab. In a separate case registered at Nakhasa police station, the court also rejected the bail pleas of accused Rukaiya and Farhana.
Residents expressed mixed reactions to the court’s decision. Mohammad Asif, a shopkeeper in Sambhal, said, “The violence was unfortunate, but the survey itself was seen as an attempt to target the Muslim community. People were angry, but the way the police responded only made things worse.”
Others, however, supported the court’s decision. Ramesh Kumar, a resident of the area, stated, “The law must take its course. No one has the right to attack the police or destroy public property, no matter the provocation.”
The incident has reignited debates over the handling of religious sites and the use of force by authorities. Human rights activists have called for an independent investigation into the violence, alleging excessive police action. Anjali Sharma, a local activist, emphasised, “The loss of life is tragic, and there needs to be accountability on all sides.”
As the legal proceedings continue, the families of the accused await further developments. Fatima, the sister of one of the accused, shared her anguish, saying, “We believe in the judiciary, but it’s hard to see our loved ones suffer. We just want justice and peace.”
The case has drawn attention to the delicate balance between law enforcement and community sentiments in sensitive situations. With tensions still simmering, the people of Sambhal hope for a resolution that ensures both justice and harmony.
