Sambhal: Shahi Jama Masjid Committee Chief Arrested, Heavy Security Deployment In City
Zafar Ali's elder brother Tahir Ali alleged that the police were deliberately sending his sibling to jail before his testimony could be recorded before the judicial panel on Monday.
The Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday arrested Shahi Jama Masjid committee president Zafar Ali in connection with the violence that erupted in Sambhal in November last year.
Earlier in the day, officials said the mosque committee chief was taken into custody by the Sambhal Police's special investigation team (SIT) to record his statement in connection with the November 24 violence case.
Zafar Ali's brother, however, claimed that it was done to prevent him from submitting his testimony before a three-member judicial commission on Monday.
Here are all the updates in the story:
- Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi confirmed that Zafar Ali had been arrested but did not elaborate further.
- Speaking on his arrest, Jama Masjid Shahi Mosque Committee Chief said, "I did not incite any violence." He was taken into custody by the SIT team of the Sambhal police in connection with the November 24 Sambhal violence.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Jama Masjid Sadar Chief & Shahi Mosque Committee Chief, Zafar Ali, says, "I did not incite any violence..."
— ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2025
He was taken into custody by the SIT team of the Sambhal police in connection with the November 24 Sambhal violence. pic.twitter.com/wWsyz1rLVu
- Earlier, Sambhal Kotwali in-charge Anuj Kumar Tomar had said that Zafar had been taken into custody by the SIT to record his statement. Tomar replied that the mosque committee president had been taken into custody by the SIT to record his statement.
- Zafar Ali's elder brother Tahir Ali alleged that the police were deliberately sending his sibling to jail before his testimony could be recorded before the judicial panel on Monday.
- Zafar's brother Tahir said, "Around 11:15 am, an inspector and the investigating officer (of the case) came to our house, saying that CO (circle officer) Kuldeep Singh wanted to talk. He had spoken with us last night as well. Zafar was supposed to testify before the commission tomorrow and that is why they are deliberately sending him to jail."
Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: SIT is interrogating Shahid Jama Masjid President Zafar Ali. His brother, Advocate Mohammad Tahir, claims he will be arrested. Heavy police deployment, including PAC and RRF, has been made at Kotwali, followed by a flag march to maintain law and order in… pic.twitter.com/mrXt8g57Ac
— IANS (@ians_india) March 23, 2025
- Meanwhile, heavy police have been deployed, including PAC and RRF, at Kotwali in Sambhal. A flag march was also conducted to maintain law and order in the city.
- Speaking on the police arrangement, Sambhal CO Anuj Chaudhary said, "There are no new arrangements made...Forces have been deployed to maintain peace... There is peace in the area."
- The Mughal-era mosque here has been at the centre of a major row after a petition claimed that it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple.
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