District Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi has sparked controversy by refusing to comply with a court order directing the registration of a First Information Report against 12 police personnel over violence during a survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Juma Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court issued the order on a complaint by Yamin, who alleged that police fired at his son, Alam, during the clash near the mosque. The complaint named then Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary, then Chandausi Kotwali SHO Anuj Tomar, and other officials. SP Bishnoi declined to register the FIR, calling the directive “illegal” and stating that he would challenge it in a higher court.
The violence occurred in 2024 when sections of the Muslim community opposed a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Juma Masjid, following a petition claiming the mosque stood on land allotted in 1526 for construction of the Shri Harihar Temple. Five people were killed.
Chaudhary Akhtar Hussain, counsel for the complainant, said they were informed of the order but had not received a certified copy as it was issued late.
Anuj Chaudhary had earlier drawn attention after remarks at a peace committee meeting ahead of Holi. A police inquiry later gave him a clean chit.
Following the violence, police registered 12 FIRs, booking 2,200 people. More than 100 accused, including three women and Shahi Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali, were jailed. The National Security Act was invoked. Ali was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court after 131 days.
