Sambhal Violence: UP Police Uses CCTV Footage To Identify 100 Assailants, Will Paste Posters In City

Uttar Pradesh police are preparing to display posters featuring over 100 individuals allegedly involved in recent Sambhal violence. This unrest erupted on November 24 following a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and injuries to several police officers.

The violence stemmed from a civil suit filed by a priest and six others, asserting that a temple once existed at the mosque's location before its demolition in the 16th century. A court-ordered survey of the mosque was first conducted on November 19. Tensions escalated when a court-appointed advocate commissioner and his team attempted a second survey.

Police Response and Investigation

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi stated, "No innocents will be persecuted but those whom we have identified through video footage of the drone cameras and the available CCTV footage of the area that day will face strict punitive action." The police are using cyber cell experts to identify those involved, with plans to post their photographs at key locations for public assistance in arrests.

Meanwhile, eight FIRs have been filed against six named individuals and about 2,500 unidentified people. Among those charged are Ziaur Rahman Barq, Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, and Suhel Iqbal, son of Samajwadi Party MLA Nawab Iqbal Mohammed. They are accused of inciting Sunday's mob violence.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

As of Wednesday, life in Sambhal is gradually returning to normal. Schools and colleges reopened three days after the incident, though attendance remains low. Many local shops resumed operations on Tuesday but saw few customers. Some residents near the mosque have relocated temporarily due to safety concerns.

The local police conducted a flag march to reassure residents while internet services remained suspended as a precautionary measure. Despite these efforts, many community members remain cautious about resuming their daily routines fully.

Claims Against Police Actions

Families of those who died during the violence have filed FIRs at Sambhal Kotwali and Nakhasa police stations, alleging their sons were killed by police gunfire. SP Bishnoi responded by saying that while FIRs have been registered, he urged people to provide evidence of police firing for further action. He maintained that postmortem reports support claims that deaths resulted from mob violence rather than police shooting.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions in Sambhal as authorities work to restore order while addressing grievances from affected families. The community remains on edge as investigations continue into both the violence and alleged police actions during the unrest.