Arrest of Shahi Jama Masjid Chief Zafar Ali in Connection with November 24 Sambhal Violence:

Zafar Ali, president of the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Sunday following his alleged involvement in the November 24 violence during a protest against a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque. The incident resulted in multiple casualties and heightened communal tensions in the region.

Details of the Incident

On November 24, 2024, a court-ordered survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Shahi Jama Masjid led to unrest among local residents. The survey aimed to investigate claims that the mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple. Tensions escalated during the survey, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to several others, including police personnel.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Zafar Ali was taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Uttar Pradesh Police for questioning regarding his alleged role in inciting the violence. Following the interrogation, he was formally arrested. Ali has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rioting, obstructing public servants, endangering life or personal safety of others, assault to deter public servants from duty, promoting enmity between different groups, and giving false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offense. He has also been booked under provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property

After his arrest, Ali was produced before the Chandausi court, which rejected his bail plea and remanded him to judicial custody for two days. His lawyer, Amir Hussain, stated that they plan to apply for bail in the district judge's court on Monday.

Security Measures and Community Response

In response to Ali's arrest, the district administration and police have heightened security measures in Sambhal to maintain peace and order. A foot march was conducted by Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi, Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary, and Subdivisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra, accompanied by a police contingent. Additional police personnel have been deployed in several areas, including around the Shahi Jama Masjid, and surveillance is being conducted through drones.

Ali's elder brother, Tahir Ali, alleged that the arrest was a deliberate attempt to prevent Zafar Ali from testifying before the judicial commission investigating the November 24 violence. He claimed that the authorities do not want tensions to ease and accused them of provoking further discord.