2024 Sambhal Violence Linked to Pre-Planned Conspiracy, Report States

A recent report by the Judicial Commission investigating the communal violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has concluded that the incidents in November 2024 were the result of a premeditated conspiracy. Four individuals lost their lives during the unrest, which erupted amid tensions surrounding a mandatory survey of the Jama Masjid.

The three-member panel, led by retired Justice Devendra Mumar Arora, identified several contributors to the violence, noting that Zia-ur-Rehman Burq, the Member of Parliament for Sambhal from the Samajwadi Party, was involved in inciting the mob. Additionally, members of the Jama Masjid Committee, including Syed Zafar Ali and Mashood Ali Farooqui, played significant roles in exacerbating the situation by spreading misinformation.

The turmoil began during a court-ordered survey, initiated by a petition from Hindu religious leaders who asserted that the Jama Masjid was established improperly, allegedly built atop what was once the Harihar temple. The report highlights that misinformation circulated in the community, suggesting that the mosque was at risk of demolition, leading to unrest on November 24, 2024.

The Commission's findings indicate a pattern of preemptive actions by certain groups attempting to provoke communal discord in the region. Following an initial survey conducted on November 19, 2024, fears were stoked among the local Muslim population that their religious site might be targeted.

Summarising the outcome of the investigation, the report stated that the fatalities during the clashes were not the result of police gunfire, countering claims made during the turmoil. The panel's conclusions aim to provide clarity on the events and address the ramifications of communal tensions that arose in Sambhal.

This report is part of ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate the causes of communal violence in India, where diverse religious communities coexist. As society grapples with legacy issues stemming from past conflicts, the judicial findings may influence future legislation and community relations in the region.