Sambhal: In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Sambhal violence, Uttar Pradesh Police have detained Zafar Ali, the chief of Jama Masjid Sadar and head of the Shahi Mosque Committee, for questioning. The move comes after Zafar Ali was served a police summon in connection with the communal clashes that erupted in the area a few months ago.
ASP Shrish Chandra Statement
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra confirmed the development, stating that Ali was called in for recording his statement regarding his alleged involvement in the November 24 violence. The incident occurred during a survey of a Mughal-era mosque being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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SIT Filed Massive Charge Sheet
The violence led to the death of four people and left several others, including police officials and local residents, injured. Following the incident, the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a massive 4,000-page charge sheet in six out of the 12 registered cases. The charge sheet named 159 accused and highlighted the recovery of weapons from the site and other locations. Interestingly, several weapons were traced back to origins in the UK, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia, indicating a well-planned conspiracy behind the unrest.
Since the incident, the situation in Sambhal has remained largely peaceful. Meanwhile, in compliance with court orders, whitewashing work at the mosque premises began on March 16. Zafar Ali confirmed that the ASI is supervising the task and has appointed labourers to carry out the work.
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Speaking about the ongoing restoration, Ali said, "The whitewashing work has begun. Around 9-10 people are working. More people may be put to work if needed. We will try to complete the task as per the court orders. There are 9-10 people assigned by the ASI. Another 10-20 people may be called. The task has been undertaken by the ASI; all the labour has been appointed by them. The work will continue till 5 pm today."
