Jama Masjid Sadar Chief Zafar Ali Taken into Custody Over Sambhal Violence

New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Police has taken Zafar Ali, the Jama Masjid Sadar Chief, into custody in connection with the violent incident that occurred on November 24 last year in Sambhal. 

The violence, which erupted during the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque, left four people dead and several others injured, including officials and locals.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been investigating the incident, and on Sunday, Zafar Ali, along with his son, was summoned to the Sambhal Police Station for questioning. 

Reports indicate that Ali's brother, advocate Mohammad Tahir, claimed that the Jama Masjid Sadar Chief "will be arrested" following the interrogation.

Heavy Security Deployment Amidst Rising Tensions

In anticipation of potential protests and unrest, a significant police presence, including personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Response Force (RRF), has been deployed in the Kotwali area of Sambhal. A flag march was conducted to maintain law and order.

SIT Chargesheet Details

The SIT recently submitted a detailed chargesheet of over 4,000 pages, covering six out of the 12 cases registered in connection with the November 24 violence.

The document lists 159 accused individuals and provides details about the weapons recovered, reportedly manufactured in the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia.