Sambhal: In a major development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Sambhal violence case, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has successfully secured bail for Mohammad Arshad, a local youth who was accused of involvement in the unrest that broke out on 24 November 2024.
Arshad was among several individuals arrested following violence that erupted near Jama Masjid during a controversial survey that sparked communal tensions in the region. He was accused of participating in rioting, arson, stone pelting, and allegedly attacking police personnel. The police also claimed he was absconding after the incident and later apprehended him, placing him in judicial custody.
He was charged under multiple harsh provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 109(1), 117(2), 121(2), 132, 190, 191(2), 191(3), 223(b), and Section 7 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1932.
However, Arshad’s legal team, led by Advocates Ghazala Bano Qadri and Syed Maseeh Uddin from APCR, argued before the Allahabad High Court that the charges were baseless and a reflection of a disturbing trend of targeting marginalized youth during communal unrest. They presented evidence that questioned the validity of the charges and underscored the arbitrary nature of Arshad’s arrest.
After reviewing the case, the High Court granted bail to Arshad, bringing some relief to his family and supporters.
