Lawyers staged a protest in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Wednesday against the arbitrary transfer of Chief Judicial Magistrate Vibhanshu Sudheer. Notably, Sudheer directed FIRs against police officials in connection with the shooting of a Muslim man in the 2024 Sambhal Violence.
He, as reported by Siasat TV, ordered FIRs against former Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary and Kotwali in-charge Anuj Tomar, along with 15–20 unidentified police personnel, who allegedly opened fire and injured a Muslim man, identified as Alam.
During the Sambhal Violence of 2024, amidst the second Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. As per Alam’s father, his son was selling biscuits near the mosque and was allegedly shot by police with the intention to kill him.
What Happened in Sambhal Violence?
The unrest began when a large crowd gathered to protest the survey, which was ordered following claims that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple. Protesters attempted to obstruct the survey team, leading to stone-pelting and arson against police vehicles.
Authorities deployed tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. There were conflicting reports regarding the source of gunfire; while families of the deceased alleged police firing, officials stated that rioters had used firearms.
Government Actions: In response to the violence, local authorities imposed a ban on outsiders entering Sambhal and suspended internet services to prevent further unrest. Schools in the area were closed as a precautionary measure.
Protesters to Pay for Damage to Property, Posters of ‘Stone Pelters’ to be Displayed at Public Places
The Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government will reportedly make protesters involved in the Sambhal violence pay for damage to public property. Meanwhile, the posters of “stone pelters” will be displayed at public places.
“The UP government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest,” an official spokesperson said and the news agency PTI quoted.
Six people were killed and many were injured in Sambhal violence on Sunday after a violence unfolded over a court ordered survey of the city’s Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi areas. The unrest increased as the police officials reportedly killed six people.
However, the police have arrested 27 individuals including two women and a total of 12 FIRs have been lodged.
Internet services have been suspended for 24 hours in Sambhal. All schools and colleges have been shut down and prohibitory orders have been released banning public gatherings in place. Orders have also been issued to ban purchasing or stockpiling stones, soda bottles or any other flammable materials.
What Political Uproar happened following Sambhal Violence?
Opposition parties have reportedly slammed the BJP in the wake of the violence. The Congress accused the police of directly firing at protesters, calling it the “horrifying outcome of a well-planned conspiracy” by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the BJP-RSS. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also hit out at the BJP, alleging that the government and administration orchestrated the violence to “divert attention from electoral malpractice.”
The BJP responded by accusing the INDIA alliance of attempting to incite unrest following their defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. The party stated that those dissatisfied with judicial rulings should seek legal remedies. A BJP spokesperson also blamed the “ghamandia alliance”—a term frequently used by party leaders to refer to the INDIA bloc—for provoking the violence.
Sambhal Judge Who Ordered FIRs Against Police in 2024 Violence Case Transferred
On the nation’s constitution day, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the celebration of Constitution day is not right at a time when people have lost their lives in Sambhal. He further alleged that the leaders of Opposition are not being allowed to visit the violence ridden area in Uttar Pradesh.
“The true celebration of the Constitution is when we follow it, ” Yadav said
“We are Samajwadi (socialists), Babasaheb BR Ambedkar’s Constitution protects us and gives us our rights. We respect the Constitution but to celebrate at a time when many people have lost their lives in Sambhal is not right,” he added.
The country is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. On November 26, 1949, the constitution assembly adopted the constitution at the Central Hall of Parliament.
