Zafar Ali was released after four months in jail and was welcomed with firecrackers and a procession; UP Police register fresh FIR against him and 60 unnamed supporters
NEW DELHI/SAMBHAL — The legal troubles of Zafar Ali, chief of the Shahi Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, appear far from over. Despite securing bail after four months of imprisonment, his return was marked by scenes that have now led to fresh police action.
A case has been filed against him and over 60 others, including three lawyers, for celebrating his release with firecrackers and a public procession. The event, captured on mobile phones and widely circulated on social media, has been labelled by the police as a violation of law and public order.
Zafar Ali was released from Moradabad jail on 1 August after being granted bail by the Allahabad High Court in the Sambhal violence case. He had been in jail since April on allegations linked to communal unrest and damage to public property.
On the day of his release, his supporters gathered in large numbers, leading a celebratory march through the streets of Sambhal. Videos show people cheering, waving flags, and bursting firecrackers as Zafar Ali walked amongst them.
Inspector Ashish Tomar of Satyavrat Police Station confirmed the new development.
“We have registered a case under Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Zafar Ali, his three associate lawyers Sarfaraz, Tahir and Haider, along with 60 unidentified persons,” said Tomar.
He added, “The celebration was not only unauthorised but also amounted to disturbing peace. No permission was sought for any procession.”
Legal experts have expressed concern over the inclusion of lawyers in the FIR. Speaking anonymously, a local advocate stated: “It’s surprising to see practicing lawyers being named in such cases. They were there possibly to receive their client. The law must be applied fairly.”
However, residents and supporters of Zafar Ali have defended the celebration, calling it a peaceful welcome.
“There was no violence, no slogans, no threat to public peace. It was an emotional moment for us. After months of injustice, we were happy to see our leader return,” said Yusuf Khan, a resident of Sambhal.
Another supporter, Imran, who witnessed the event, said,
“People lit firecrackers out of joy. Is happiness now a crime for Muslims in this country?”
Zafar Ali’s bail was granted in two major sections of the case by the MP-MLA court in Sambhal, following an earlier bail from the Allahabad High Court on 24 July. He was accused in a high-profile case involving alleged damage to public property and instigating unrest during a protest earlier this year.
The original case had already raised questions in the Muslim community regarding targeted action by the authorities.
“Zafar Bhai is a respected figure. We believe he is being punished for speaking out and standing with his people,” said Faheem Qureshi, a local shopkeeper.
A senior member of the mosque committee, who did not wish to be named, criticised the police for what he called “selective crackdown.”
“Political leaders of the majority community routinely hold processions after bail or election victories. No FIRs are filed. Why this bias only when a Muslim leader gets support?” he asked.
Meanwhile, local tension is rising, with many in the Muslim community viewing this as another sign of increasing pressure on minority voices. Human rights groups have begun to take notice, with a Delhi-based civil liberties lawyer saying, “Freedom of assembly and expression are constitutional rights. Filing an FIR for people gathering peacefully raises serious concerns about equal treatment under law.”
Despite the FIR, Zafar Ali has maintained a calm posture since his release. Speaking briefly to the media, he said,
“I have faith in the judiciary. I have always worked for peace and unity. If being welcomed by the public is wrong, then let the law take its course.”
