Sambhal (UP), March 23: Zafar Ali, head of the Jama Masjid Sadar and Shahi Mosque Committee, was taken into police custody in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday for questioning over the violence that occurred in Sambhal on November 24 last year.
Ali was escorted to Chandausi for a medical check-up under tight security. His detention follows allegations of his involvement in the violence during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
Earlier in the day, Ali and his son were summoned to the Sambhal Police Station for questioning. Additional security measures have been implemented outside Chandausi Court, where the two are set to appear for legal proceedings. Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary confirmed that no new arrangements had been made, but forces were deployed to maintain peace in the area.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had previously filed a 4,000-page charge sheet in six out of 12 cases related to the violence, which occurred during the Archaeological Survey of India’s examination of the Mughal-era mosque. The clashes resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries, including to officials and locals. The charge sheet listed 159 accused individuals and noted that weapons recovered from the scene were manufactured in countries including the UK, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia.
Since the violence, no further incidents have been reported. During Holi celebrations, the police ensured tight security, conducted flag marches, and even placed a tarpaulin over the Jama Masjid to prevent any damage.
