Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh – In a significant move to track down those involved in last year’s violent clashes, the Sambhal police have issued posters featuring images of 74 suspects linked to the November 24, 2024, violence. These posters have been displayed at various public locations, including areas near the Shahi Jama Masjid, where the unrest erupted during a controversial survey.
The images, extracted from CCTV footage, showcase individuals accused of participating in the riots. Authorities have urged the public to help identify these suspects, promising a reward for any information leading to their capture. Officials have assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shreeshchandra confirmed that the posters were released as part of the ongoing investigation. “These 74 individuals were actively involved in the violence, and their identification remains pending. Anyone providing information about them will be rewarded,” he stated.
The police have already arrested and jailed 75 people in connection with the incident. The violence erupted after a petition was filed in the Sambhal Civil Judge (Senior Division) Court on November 19, 2024, claiming that the Shahi Jama Masjid was originally a temple. Tensions escalated when a survey of the site was conducted, leading to violent clashes that resulted in at least four deaths.
Authorities had previously registered 12 separate FIRs in connection with the case, naming 37 individuals, including Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and Suhail Iqbal, the son of SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood. Additionally, charges were filed against 3,750 unidentified individuals.
With the release of these posters, police aim to expedite the identification process and ensure legal action against those responsible for the disturbances.
