Members of the Judicial Panel Visit Sambhal Mosque to Examine Areas Affected by Violence

Tragic Events in Sambhal: Violence During Court-Ordered Survey

On November 24, violence erupted in Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others. This incident has drawn significant attention, prompting the formation of a judicial panel to investigate the circumstances.

Judicial Panel Inspects Shahi Jama Masjid Amid Heavy Security

As part of the ongoing inquiry, members of a judicial commission visited the Shahi Jama Masjid and surrounding areas on Sunday. The mosque, built during the Mughal era, was at the center of the violence linked to a petition asserting that a Harihar temple previously existed at the same site.

Key Officials Lead the Investigation

The three-member panel includes:

• Justice Devendra Kumar Arora: Former Allahabad High Court judge and panel head
• Arvind Kumar Jain: Retired IPS officer
• Amit Mohan Prasad: Retired IAS officer (absent during the Sunday visit)

During the visit, the team was accompanied by local authorities, including Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, and DIG Muniraj G.

What the Officials Said

Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh shared insights into the visit:

“Today, the inquiry commission chairwoman and one other member visited the spot. Their main objective was to examine the site. They checked the building and location, spoke to some residents, and visited the disturbance sites. The team will make another visit, and a detailed itinerary will be made public.”

He also emphasized that the situation in Sambhal is improving:

“Everything is being closely monitored, and things are gradually returning to normal. Evidence collection is underway, and we have identified 400 individuals involved so far.”

Security Restrictions in Place

To maintain peace and order, the District Magistrate has enforced restrictions in the affected areas until December 10. Outsiders, including political and social representatives, are prohibited from entering without prior authorization.

Insights from Mosque Officials

Following the judicial team’s brief 15-minute inspection of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Imam Aftab Hussain Warsi and Masood Farooqui, the mosque’s secretary, shared their observations:

• “The team didn’t ask us anything. They were here to inspect the mosque and the scene of the incident. Statements will be taken at a later time,” said Farooqui.

Judicial Panel’s Mandate

The judicial panel, formed on November 28, has been tasked with:

1. Investigating whether the violence was spontaneous or premeditated.
2. Evaluating the readiness of the administration and police to handle the situation.
3. Recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Commission has two months to complete its investigation, with an option for an extension upon government approval.

What Lies Ahead

As the situation in Sambhal stabilizes, the judicial panel is expected to return for further inspections and evidence collection. Their findings will shed light on the events of November 24 and propose actionable solutions to prevent future violence.

Conclusion

The tragic events in Sambhal underscore the importance of a thorough investigation to ensure justice and peace. The judicial panel’s efforts and the authorities’ vigilance offer hope for resolution and the restoration of harmony in the region.