Uttar Pradesh’s SIT(Special Investigation Team) on Sunday arrested Shahi Jama Masjid’s president, Zafar Ali, in connection with the last year’s violence against a court-ordered survey that claimed four lives. Ali was the first person to receive information about the survey. On November 19, he was allegedly informed in advance about the survey, after which a crowd gathered, leading to disruptions. Similarly, on November 24, he was again among the first to be notified, and a large mob was mobilised, ultimately resulting in violence.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar Bishnoi told news agency PTI that Shahi Jama Masjid chief has been arrested in connection with the case. Ali was later brought to Chandausi for a medical examination amid heavy security. Jama Masjid Sadar Chief said that he was not involved in the violence. “I did not incite any violence…” he said as quoted by agency.
Officials said the mosque committee chief was taken into custody by the SIT for questioning. Ali’s brother, Advocate Mohammad Tahir, alleged that it was done to prevent him from submitting his testimony before a three-member judicial commission on Monday. An inspector and the investigating officer (of the case) came to our house, saying that CO (circle officer) Kuldeep Singh wanted to talk. He had spoken with us last night as well. Zafar was supposed to testify before the commission tomorrow and that is why they are deliberately sending him to jail.
The panel has been appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the communal violence that left four people killed and several injured. Meanwhile, his supporters protested his detention. Additionally, the administration has heightened in the region to ensure law and order. The Mughal-era mosque here has been at the centre of a major row after a petition claimed that it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple. His arrest is part of the same case in which Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rahman Barq has also been named as an accused.
Nearly 24 hours after the violence erupted over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque, seven FIRs were filed by the police, naming Barq and SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal as accused. The dispute arose on claims that the city’s Shahi Jama Masjid was constructed after the demolition of the historic Harihar Temple, which many believe was located at the same site. A court-ordered survey of the mosque was done on November 24 last year.