Muslims question political motives behind judicial committee’s leaked findings claiming 30 percent Hindu population drop in the volatile UP city
NEW DELHI/SAMBHAL — The leaked judicial investigation report on violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal has triggered controversy and sharp reactions, with Muslims questioning its credibility and accusing the state of using the tragedy to inflame communal tensions.
Violence broke out on 24 November last year during a government survey at the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. Five Muslim youths lost their lives in alleged police firing, dozens of others were injured, and several vehicles were set ablaze. Following the unrest, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appointed a judicial commission headed by Justice (Retd) Devendra Kumar Arora along with retired IAS Amit Mohan and retired IPS Arvind Kumar Jain.
Nine months later, the 450-page report was submitted to the chief minister on Thursday. But instead of focusing on the violence, the findings have placed unusual emphasis on Hindu migration. According to the report, Sambhal’s Hindu population has fallen from 45 percent at independence to just 15 percent today, a decline of nearly 30 percent, allegedly due to riots and intimidation.
The report has been met with disbelief among Sambhal’s Muslim community. Advocate Shakeel Warsi, representing the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee, called it misleading: “No one can be punished on the basis of such a report. The court will decide facts. Linking violence with a claim of Hindu migration is baseless and politically motivated.”
Prominent journalist Shamsh Siddiqui also questioned the findings. He said: “This report does not match historical records. If they claim 45 percent Hindu population in 1947, it is false, because census data does not support this. Was this a judicial inquiry into violence, or a census exercise? The report is unreliable.”
Another Muslim community elder in Sambhal said the government was trying to “paint Muslims as aggressors, instead of providing justice to those killed in the violence. Talking to Clarion India over the phone, he said it was dangerous and unfair. “We hoisted the Tricolour on mosques to show patriotism, yet still they accuse us,” he said.
While the Muslim side has rejected the leaked report, Hindu representatives gave mixed responses. Local Hindu representative Gopal admitted that Hindus were leaving Sambhal but said it was mainly for better business opportunities. “It is not fear of Muslims that is driving people away. Many are shifting to bigger cities for livelihood. Blaming Muslims is wrong,” he said.
However, controversial Hanumangarhi priest Raju Das seized upon the report to make provocative remarks. “The report clearly shows Hindus were forced to migrate. Today only 15 percent remain. Wherever Muslims are in majority, riots and terror spread,” he alleged.
His comments have angered Muslims, who see them as inflammatory and divisive. One Muslim shopkeeper in Sambhal responded: “If Hindus are leaving for jobs, how are we responsible? We have always lived together. Statements like this only increase hatred.”
Critics argue that instead of addressing the November 2024 violence — where families of the dead still await justice — the government is using the commission’s findings to project Sambhal as a place where Hindus are under threat.
Senior journalist Siddiqui added: “The leaked report seems designed to suit a narrative before elections. Until the full report is officially released, relying on selective leaks is dangerous.”
Muslim leaders have called upon the government to publish the report in full and punish those actually responsible for the violence, instead of targeting an entire community.
