Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh – The local administration has taken action against five family members of Shahi Jama Masjid managing committee president Zafar Ali by booking them under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for measures related to maintaining public peace.
Ali’s son Haider Ali, brothers Tahir Ali and Qamar Hasan, and nephews Mohammed Danish and Mohammed Mujib—all lawyers at Chandausi court—have been “bound down” with a Rs 1 lakh surety under BNSS sections 126 (security for keeping peace in other cases) and 135 (inquiry as to truth of information). This ensures financial liability if they are found responsible for breaching peace.
Sambhal Kotwali police station in-charge Anuj Tomar confirmed the move, while Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra cited upcoming Eid and Navratri festivals as reasons for ensuring public order.
Zafar Ali remains in jail following his March 23 arrest in connection with the November 2024 violence that erupted after a court-ordered second survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. The violence led to four deaths and multiple injuries.
Meanwhile, the Sambhal District Bar Association has decided to boycott court proceedings until Ali’s release. “We will continue our protest against the targeting of our respected leader and advocate Zafar Ali and his family,” stated lawyer Mohammed Shahid.
