Allahabad High Court had earlier refused to quash the case against Barq; police may now question him in Delhi
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh Police have issued a notice to Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, summoning him for questioning regarding the violent clashes in Sambhal district last November.
A heavy police contingent reached his residence in Deepa Sarai on Tuesday to serve the notice, but the MP was reportedly in New Delhi. Sources indicate that a police team may soon travel to the national capital to ensure that the notice is delivered.
The violence erupted after a mob protested against a local court’s directive to conduct a survey of the historic Mughal-era Jama Masjid. The clashes resulted in the death of five Muslims, allegedly in police firing. The police claim that Barq’s presence and speech exacerbated tensions. Authorities are now seeking to question him under Section 35/3 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In January, the Allahabad High Court refused to quash the case against Barq, though it temporarily barred police from arresting him. This provided the MP with temporary relief but did not absolve him of the charges. Legal experts suggest that the latest developments indicate a renewed push by the authorities to investigate his role in the incident.
The First Information Report (FIR) lodged in the case claims that Barq “incited violence for political gains” in collaboration with Sohail Iqbal, the son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood. Law enforcement officials have already arrested over 50 individuals in connection with the clashes, and further detentions are expected.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “We have substantial evidence pointing towards planned instigation. The role of political leaders in mobilising protests that turned violent is under investigation.”
Reacting to the allegations, Barq has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the charges against him are politically motivated. “This is nothing but a well-planned conspiracy by the BJP to silence opposition voices,” he stated. He also questioned why only opposition leaders were being targeted while incidents of violence by right-wing groups went unchecked.
The Samajwadi Party has also rallied behind Barq, with party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary criticising the move. “This government is deliberately targeting opposition leaders. Our leaders are being falsely implicated to create an atmosphere of fear,” he said.
Local Muslim leaders and activists have raised concerns about selective action by law enforcement. Prominent social activist Mohammad Salman said, “Whenever Muslims protest, they are labelled as rioters, but when Hindutva groups incite violence, the administration remains silent. Why this double standard?”
Similar sentiments were echoed by legal expert Faizan Ahmad, who pointed out that many such instances in recent years have seen selective targeting of Muslim leaders. At the same time, those from ruling party-affiliated groups enjoy immunity.
Legal experts believe that Barq’s next course of action will be crucial in determining the case’s trajectory. If he ignores the police notice, authorities may escalate their action, potentially leading to further legal complications.
