A video of the visit, which went viral on social media, showed the SP leaders alleging police brutality against the accused
Team Clarion
MORADABAD – Two senior jail officials in Moradabad have been suspended for violating prison protocols by permitting a Samajwadi Party (SP) delegation to meet individuals accused in the recent Sambhal violence.
Director General (Prison Management and Correctional Services), PV Ramastri, announced the suspension of jailer Vikram Singh Yadav and deputy jailer Praveen Singh. Ramastri further revealed that a report recommending disciplinary action against Jail Superintendent PP Singh, a Group A officer, has been submitted to the state government.
“The investigation by Deputy Inspector General (Jails), Kantal Kishore, confirmed a violation of constitutional norms and jail procedures, prompting swift action,” Ramastri stated.
The incident centres around the visit of an SP delegation on Monday, comprising former MP ST Hassan, legislator Nawab Jan Khan, and Chaudhary Samarpal Singh, to the Moradabad jail. They met with 27 detainees arrested in connection with the Sambhal violence during a survey at the Jama Masjid on November 24.
A video of the visit, which went viral on social media, showed the SP leaders alleging police brutality against the accused. “These individuals were beaten mercilessly, and we are committed to providing them with legal assistance,” said Hassan during the visit.
Critics of the incident have questioned whether the jail officials acted under political pressure. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the SP of politicising the issue to gain sympathy from minority communities.
“Such actions undermine the rule of law. Political parties should respect legal processes rather than interfere,” remarked BJP spokesperson Rajiv Tandon.
The accused are believed to have participated in violent clashes with law enforcement officials during the survey, leading to widespread tension in the area.
Following this incident, authorities are tightening oversight within the jail system to prevent similar violations. “The jail manual is clear on who can meet undertrials, and any breach of this protocol will not be tolerated,” emphasised Ramastri.
The Sambhal violence case has drawn significant attention, with allegations of disproportionate action against Muslims arrested during the clashes. The community leaders have called for fair treatment and transparency in the judicial process, urging authorities to avoid communal profiling.
This suspension highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing law enforcement, political interventions, and public accountability in sensitive communal cases.
