An exclusive audio clip obtained by India Today has unveiled critical details about the violent unrest that unfolded in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, surrounding a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The violence, which erupted on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of five individuals and left numerous others injured, including over 20 police officers. The audio clip, recovered from the mobile phones of suspects arrested during the investigation, reveals a chilling call to action. In the recording, an unidentified individual can be heard urging others to mobilize additional people, specifically with weapons, near the historic Mughal-era mosque. This clip is a significant piece of evidence as it highlights how the situation escalated into a full-scale confrontation, which ultimately led to tragic casualties and widespread destruction.
The police have made considerable progress in the investigation, arresting 25 individuals so far and registering seven FIRs related to the violence. Among the people named in the FIRs are prominent figures, including Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, the son of local MLA Iqbal Mehmood. Police have alleged that Barq visited the Shahi Jama Masjid in the days leading up to the violence and made inflammatory remarks that stoked tensions. The police suspect his role in inciting the violence, especially considering the heightened sensitivity of the mosque's survey. Barq’s actions are now under intense scrutiny as investigators piece together the sequence of events that contributed to the mob’s violent response.
The unrest in Sambhal began when a local court ordered the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, following claims that a Hindu temple had previously existed at the site. This order created a volatile situation, as religious and political tensions in the region have long simmered, with many viewing the survey as a provocative move. On Sunday, as the survey team, accompanied by police officers, arrived at the mosque, large groups of protesters assembled in opposition. The protest quickly turned violent, with protesters pelting stones at police personnel, setting vehicles on fire, and engaging in acts of arson. The chaos led to substantial injuries among the police, who were caught off guard by the intensity of the mob’s attack.
The violence has not only heightened tensions in Sambhal but also raised concerns across the state, as religious conflicts continue to spill over into the streets. The Uttar Pradesh police, now tasked with identifying those responsible, have released images of the suspects involved in the violence. The authorities have announced that these images will be displayed in public spaces to encourage the community’s cooperation in identifying the perpetrators. Additionally, the government has promised financial rewards for anyone who helps provide information that leads to the capture of the suspects. This move is part of a broader effort to restore order and ensure accountability for the violence that rocked the region.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to collect evidence and track down individuals implicated in the incident. The situation in Sambhal has underscored the deep-seated religious tensions that continue to exist in parts of Uttar Pradesh and other regions, where disputes over religious sites have the potential to escalate into violence. As law enforcement agencies work to bring those responsible to justice, the unfolding events in Sambhal will undoubtedly have lasting political and social ramifications, particularly as the national spotlight remains focused on the role of political leaders like Barq and the ongoing tensions between religious communities.
