Sambhal mosque panel chief arrested for clashes

Shahi Jama Masjid management committee president Zafar Ali was arrested on Sunday after being questioned in connection with the November 24 violence during a protest against a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque.

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Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi told reporters, “Today, Jama Masjid’s Zafar Ali has been arrested and sent to jail. He was also detained and questioned late last night before being released. He was called again for questioning today and arrested after questioning.”

A case has been registered against Ali under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 191(2) and 191(3) (rioting), 190 (unlawful assembly), 221 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 196 (promoting enmity between different groups and 230 (giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence). He has also been booked under provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The district and the police administration are on high alert following Ali’s arrest. Bishnoi, Circle Officer (Sambhal) Anuj Chaudhary and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra led a foot march with a police contingent.

Police personnel have been deployed in several areas, including the Shahi Jama Masjid, and surveillance is also being conducted through drones to maintain peace. Ali was earlier taken into custody by the local police’s special investigation team (SIT) to record his statement in connection with the case.

His brother, however, alleged that Ali was arrested to prevent him from submitting his testimony before a three-member judicial commission on Monday. The Uttar Pradesh Government set up the panel to investigate the violence in which four persons were killed and several injured during protests over the survey. The Mughal-era mosque has been at the centre of a major row after a petition claimed that it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple.