– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The CPI(ML) has strongly condemned the Uttar Pradesh government for placing its fact-finding team under house arrest. The team, headed by MP Sudama Prasad, was en route to Sambhal to meet Muslim families whose loved ones were killed allegedly in police firing. The party has demanded the dismissal of DM and SP of Sambhal, accusing them of complicity in the deaths of innocent civilians.
The party alleged that the BJP’s “double-engine government” at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh is actively suppressing discussions and protests about the killings in Sambhal. According to the CPI(ML), this reflects a pattern of the Yogi government obstructing efforts to uncover the truth, as seen in previous incidents.
The Sambhal violence reportedly occurred on November 24, during a survey of the Sambhal Jama Masjid, when police fired indiscriminately, resulting in five deaths and multiple injuries.
The fact-finding team included MP Sudama Prasad, Krishna Adhikari (AIPWA President and CPI(ML) Central Committee member), Afroz Alam (Western UP in-charge), Rohtas Rajput (Moradabad in-charge), N Sai Balaji (former JNUSU President), and others. Upon reaching Moradabad in the morning, the team was initially prevented by police from proceeding to Sambhal and was confined to a local resident’s house.
When the team insisted on continuing their journey, the Moradabad Deputy Superintendent of Police informed them that they were being placed under house arrest, citing an order by the Sambhal District Magistrate barring outsiders from entering the district until December 10.
The CPI(ML) team demanded either permission to visit the victims’ families or a meeting with the Commissioner of Police. Both requests were denied, including one from MP Sudama Prasad, highlighting what the party called a blatant disregard for democratic norms and the rights of elected representatives.
The CPI(ML) criticised the BJP government for failing to address pressing issues such as corporate exploitation, rising inflation, exam paper leaks, and electoral malpractice. Instead, it accused the administration of fostering Hindu-Muslim divisions to divert attention and consolidate its political base.
The party condemned the killings in Sambhal as a reflection of “hate-filled governance” under Yogi Adityanath, accusing his administration of perpetuating violence and communal hatred. It called for unity among citizens to counter the divisive agenda of the BJP government.
The CPI(ML) has demanded immediate dismissal of Sambhal DM and SP for their alleged role in the killings, a murder trial for those responsible for the deaths, compensation of ₹25 lakh for each victim’s family, and a government job for one family member of each deceased.
