Police Release Suspect Photos After Violent Clashes Over Mosque Survey in Sambhal

Police in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, have released photographs of individuals suspected to be involved in the violent clashes that erupted on 24 November 2024, during a protest against a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The unrest, which left four people dead and many injured, has prompted authorities to seek public assistance in identifying suspects. So far, 27 arrests have been made, including three minors and prominent political figures such as Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, the son of a local MLA, both accused of inciting the violence. To encourage further identification, police plan to display posters of over 100 suspects at key locations in Sambhal. In response to the violence, the Yogi Adityanath government has implemented measures to recover damages from rioters, including financial penalties and public awareness initiatives. The clashes began when around 800 protesters gathered to oppose the mosque survey, which had been ordered following claims that the mosque was built on a demolished temple site. The protest escalated into violence, with reports of stone-pelting and attacks on law enforcement. Despite the unrest, local life is gradually returning to normal, with schools reopening and businesses resuming operations, though a heightened police presence remains in sensitive areas. Authorities continue their investigation, having filed multiple FIRs against named individuals and over 2,500 unidentified suspects, urging the public to restore peace by providing relevant information.