Sambhal Violence: Shahi Jama Masjid Chief Zafar Ali Arrested, Sent To 2-Day Judicial Custody

The Mughal-era mosque here has been at the centre of a major row after a petition claimed that it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple.

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The Special Investigation Team of the local police held Zafar Ali. (IANS)

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday arrested Shahi Jama Masjid’s president, Zafar Ali, in connection with the last year’s violence against a court-ordered survey that claimed four lives and left several others injured.

Ali, who was presented in Chandausi Court following his arrest, has been sent to two-day judicial custody.

According to the police, Ali was the first person to receive information about the survey. On November 19, he was allegedly informed in advance about the survey, after which a crowd gathered, leading to disruptions. Similarly, on November 24, he was again among the first to be notified, and a large mob was mobilised, ultimately resulting in violence.

Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar Bishnoi said that Shahi Jama Masjid chief has been arrested in connection with the case. Ali was later brought to Chandausi for a medical examination amid heavy security.

“A violence took place here on November 24, 2024…in that connection today Zafar Ali has been arrested after questioning him…He was questioned yesterday, also… He has been arrested under several sections of BNS and has been sent to jail…He has also been produced before the court, and whatever the court will direct will be followed…He has been arrested under criminal conspiracy…" he said.

A case has been registered against Ali under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 191(2) and 191(3) (rioting), 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 221 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc), 230 (giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence) and 231 (giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment).

He has also been booked under provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Reacting to the allegations, Jama Masjid Sadar Chief said that he was not involved in the violence. “I did not incite any violence…" he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

Earlier today, officials said the mosque committee chief was taken into custody by the SIT for questioning.

Ali’s brother, Advocate Mohammad Tahir, alleged that it was done to prevent him from submitting his testimony before a three-member judicial commission on Monday.

“Around 11:15 am, an inspector and the investigating officer (of the case) came to our house, saying that CO (circle officer) Kuldeep Singh wanted to talk. He had spoken with us last night as well. Zafar was supposed to testify before the commission tomorrow and that is why they are deliberately sending him to jail," he said.

The panel has been appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the communal violence that left four people killed and several injured.

Meanwhile, his supporters protested his detention.

Following the arrest, SP Bishnoi visited Sambhal and conducted a flag march. Accompanied by ADM Pradeep Verma, CO Anuj Chaudhary, and SDM Vandana Mishra, he inspected CCTV cameras in key areas and markets of the city. Additionally, the administration has heightened in the region to ensure law and order.

The Mughal-era mosque here has been at the centre of a major row after a petition claimed that it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple.

Sambhal MP A Key Accused

His arrest is part of the same case in which Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rahman Barq has also been named as an accused. As per the FIR launched in November 2024, Barq allegedly provoked the mob to disrupt communal harmony for political gains.

Nearly 24 hours after the violence erupted over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque, seven FIRs were filed by the police, naming Barq and SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal as accused.

What Is The Dispute Over Sambhal Jama Masjid?

The dispute arose on claims that the city’s Shahi Jama Masjid was constructed after the demolition of the historic Harihar Temple, which many believe was located at the same site. A court-ordered survey of the mosque was done on November 24 last year.

Sambhal has been tense since violence broke out on November 24 last year during protests against the court-ordered survey.

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Four people were killed while several others were injured in the clashes between the police and the protesters who shouted slogans, and threw stones at the cops while the survey was underway. The protesters set vehicles on fire, after which the police used tear gas to disperse the mob.

The survey team arrived at the spot early in the morning and started its work, when locals gathered outside, leading to violence in the area.

Location :
Sambhal, India, India

First Published:
March 23, 2025, 15:55 IST