Sambhal violence: MP named in FIR for 'provocative acts' now part of panel to probe clashes

Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party’s (SP) Member of Parliament (MP) – Zia-ur-Rehman Barq – who has been named in FIR for violence in Sambhal is now a part of party’s delegation which has been formed to visit the area to gather information and submit a report.

Barq and SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal are among 2,500 people against whom a total of seven FIRs have been filed for their alleged connection in clashes in Sambhal.

The police and the city administration said that they have evidence against Barq that he committed “provocative acts”.

“There is evidence against MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq that he has committed provocative acts. Action has been taken against him under the provisions of the BNS,” Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh.

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A report by PTI quoted Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar as saying that Barq’s ‘Jama Masjid ki hifazat’ (protection of Jama Masjid) remark mobilised the mob and resulted in clashes in Sambhal.

“Due to Barq’s statement earlier, the situation worsened. He was given a notice earlier for this,” Kumar further said.

Barq was not in Sambhal on day of clashes

The MP was in Bengaluru and not in Sambhal on the day of violence. However, Kumar said Barq’s name was included in the FIR based on his previous statements.

Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed, “Barq was not in Sambhal on that day. He was in Bengaluru to take part in an event. A false case has been registered against him.”

Barq part of SP delegation which will visit Sambhal

Yadav, on Monday, formed a delegation of his MPs and MLAs which will visit Sambhal to gather information about the violence and then submit a report to him. Barq is a member of the delegation.

Four people died in Sambhal violence and several others, including 24 police and administrative officials, sustained injuries.

As many as 25 people have been arrested so far.

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District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said stones were thrown at the survey team and vehicles were torched by a mob which consisted of people who lived within the radius of 10-15 kilometers.

A local court had ordered the survey of the mosque in response to a petition that claimed the Shahi Jama Masjid was built on the ruins of a temple. The Hindu side claims the temple was demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.

This was the second survey of the mosque; the first was carried out peacefully last Tuesday.

With inputs from agencies.