Uttar Pradesh Government Vows Tough Action on Sambhal Violence, Plans to Recover Damage Costs

The Uttar Pradesh government is taking a tough stance on the recent spate of violence in Sambhal, planning to recover the costs of damage to public property from the protesters involved. In addition, the government stated that posters of those identified as "stone pelters" will be displayed in prominent public locations across the state.

An official spokesperson from the Uttar Pradesh government said, “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.”

The violence in Sambhal erupted on Sunday following a court-ordered survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area. The survey was prompted by a petition claiming that a Harihar temple had once stood at the site. Tensions escalated when a large crowd gathered near the mosque, allegedly chanting slogans as the survey team resumed its work. This led to clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in vehicles being set on fire and stones being hurled. The unrest left four people dead and several others, including police personnel, injured.

Authorities have since arrested 25 people and filed seven FIRs. Among those named are Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, and Sohail Iqbal, son of the local MLA Iqbal Mehmood. Over 2,750 other suspects remain unidentified. A magisterial inquiry is underway, and the superintendent of police, Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, assured that the situation is now under control.

The violence in Sambhal has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the state government of orchestrating the violence, calling it a "riot." Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have claimed that the ruling BJP is deliberately creating divisions between Hindus and Muslims.