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The police announced on Thursday the arrest of the primary supplier of weapons linked to last year’s violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
Arrest and Investigation
Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Bishnoi stated that an extensive investigation led to the arrest of Gulam, who not only provided weapons but also orchestrated the violence. The SP revealed that 20 cases have been registered against him.
“During interrogation, Gulam disclosed that on November 23, he communicated with Shariq Satha, who instructed him to prevent the court-ordered survey at any cost. Satha, who later fled the country using a fake passport, was also involved in selling stolen cars,” Bishnoi informed reporters.
Plot to Assassinate Advocate
The accused further admitted to plotting the murder of Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain amid the November 24, 2024, Sambhal violence.
Weapons Recovery
Authorities recovered multiple weapons from Gulam, including:
One 9mm pistol
Two .32 bore pistols
15 live cartridges, some of Czechoslovakian and British origin
Motivations Behind the Violence
Bishnoi explained that during the November 24 riots, leaders incited followers by asserting that the mosque was a 500-year-old relic of Babur, urging them to protect it. Additionally, the rioters had instructions to target a lawyer known for filing petitions, aiming to eliminate him.
Political Connections Under Scrutiny
When questioned about possible political affiliations, the SP stated, “In the 2014 elections, Shafiqur Rahman Barq contested on a Samajwadi Party ticket. Under his influence, Gulam executed a firing incident against Suhail Iqbal, leading to a case against him. Gulam also operated under the Sarik Satha gang while residing in India.”
Digital Evidence and Communication
The investigation uncovered WhatsApp groups used for planning the violence. One such group, named 'Sansad Sambhal,' had messages dated November 22, calling people to mobilize for the protest.
Additionally, authorities found that the accused used the Zangi app to communicate with Satha, and he made multiple calls to his wife’s mobile phone.
Casualties and Ongoing Investigation
The violence on November 24 erupted following a court-ordered survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries.
The investigation remains active as police delve deeper into the network behind the riots.
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