Judicial Commission Members Scheduled to Visit Sambhal for Investigation of November 24 Violence

Two members of a judicial commission set up by the Uttar Pradesh government arrived in Moradabad on Saturday. They are expected to visit Sambhal, the site of recent violence, on Sunday. The commission was formed to investigate the events of November 24, when violence broke out during a court-ordered survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid. This incident resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries.

The survey was related to a petition alleging that a Harihar temple once existed at the mosque's location. The commission, established through a notification on November 28, has been tasked with completing its investigation within two months. Any extension beyond this period will need approval from the government.

Commission Members and Objectives

The commission is led by retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora. It includes former IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain as members. Their primary responsibility is to determine whether the violence was spontaneous or part of a deliberate conspiracy.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated, "Two members of the commission reached here on Saturday. The third member will join them on Sunday as they head to Sambhal." However, Singh did not disclose the identities of the members who arrived in Moradabad.

Investigation Focus and Timeline

The commission will also assess how prepared the police and administration were in managing the situation. Additionally, it will examine the circumstances that led to the violence and suggest measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The commission's findings are crucial for understanding whether there was any premeditated plan behind the clashes or if they erupted spontaneously. Their recommendations will aim to enhance preventive strategies against such occurrences.

The investigation's outcome will provide insights into both immediate causes and broader implications of the violence. This will help in formulating policies to ensure peace and security in similar sensitive situations across the region.