Sambhal Clashes: Yogi Govt To Put Up Posters Of Protestors, Make Them Pay For Damage To Public Property

The Uttar Pradesh government will seek compensation and display posters of protestors who caused damage in the Sambhal violence.

Four people were killed while scores were injured in the clashes in Sambhal that erupted on Sunday.

Source : PTI

The Uttar Pradesh government will make protestors involved in the Sambhal violence pay for damage to public property and put up posters of "stone pelters" at public places, said an official on Wednesday. 

On Sunday, a confrontation erupted over a court-ordered survey of the city's Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area leaving four people dead and scores injured including police personnel. The survey was ordered by the court following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. 

"The UP government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence," said an official spokesperson, reported PTI. 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 spokesperson added. 

The step taken by the state government is a similar one taken by the Yogi Adityanath dispensation in 2020 during the anti-CAA protests where it put up posters of individuals linked to vandalism. The posters were displayed across several cities, including the state capital Lucknow, but were later taken down following a court order. 

The violence erupted in Sambhal town on Sunday when a large crowd gathered near a mosque and began chanting slogans as a survey team was inside the premises. The situation escalated after protestors clashed with security personnel, set fire to vehicles and pelted stones. 

As many as 25 individuals have been arrested so far and seven FIRs registered, which include charges against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Sohail Iqbalson of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, and over 2,750 unidentified suspects.

A magisterial probe is also underway into the violence and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was now under control. He assured "strict action" against those responsible for the unrest.