Sambhal: In a significant development, law enforcement authorities in Sambhal have apprehended two additional individuals in connection with the violent unrest that erupted at Anjuman Chauraha Violence in November 2024. The arrests, made on Sunday, are part of an ongoing investigation into the disturbances that led to the tragic loss of four lives and left several others injured. The detained individuals have reportedly confessed to inciting a mob at Anjuman Chauraha violence upon learning about the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque at the center of a contentious legal dispute.
The violence in Sambhal was sparked by a court directive mandating a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, following claims that the mosque was constructed over the ruins of a Hindu temple allegedly demolished in the early 16th century. The survey, intended to investigate these assertions, inadvertently ignited tensions among local communities, culminating in the Anjuman Chauraha violence.
With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the Sambhal violence has risen to 56, including six women. Law enforcement agencies have been diligently analyzing video footage and eyewitness accounts to identify and apprehend those responsible for instigating and participating in the unrest. In addition to the arrests, authorities have sought non-bailable warrants against 91 absconding suspects, whose involvement was substantiated through visual evidence. These individuals are believed to have fled to neighboring states, including Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan, to evade capture.
The Anjuman Chauraha violence has underscored the volatile nature of disputes involving religious sites and the potential for misinformation to escalate tensions rapidly. In the aftermath of the violence, the Uttar Pradesh administration imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Sambhal, prohibiting unlawful assemblies to prevent further escalation. Additionally, a 24-hour internet suspension was enforced in the Sambhal Tehsil to curb the spread of rumors and maintain public order.
The Shahi Jama Masjid, a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Protection Act of 1904, has been at the center of a legal battle concerning its origins. The court-ordered survey aimed to shed light on the historical claims associated with the site. However, the process inadvertently fueled communal tensions, leading to the tragic events at Anjuman Chauraha.
In response to the violence, the Supreme Court intervened, directing the Sambhal Trial Court to halt proceedings related to the mosque until the Allahabad High Court could hear the Masjid Committee’s challenge to the survey order. The apex court emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the region and ordered that the survey report remain sealed pending further judicial review.
The recent arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to bring all perpetrators of the Anjuman Chauraha violence to justice. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could exacerbate communal tensions. Community leaders and residents are being encouraged to engage in dialogue and uphold the principles of harmony and mutual respect to prevent future incidents of this nature.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for those who incited and participated in the violence at Anjuman Chauraha. The administration is also reviewing security protocols and community engagement strategies to foster a more cohesive and peaceful environment in Sambhal and its environs.
