On Sunday afternoon, Zafar Ali, the chairman of the Shahi Jama Masjid managing committee, was arrested by police in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal. He faces numerous charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those that could result in a life sentence. This arrest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid violence that erupted on November 24 last year.
Background of the Violence
The violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the mosque to determine whether a temple existed at the site. Tragically, four people lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries, including 29 police personnel. The First Information Report (FIR) linked Zafar Ali and several local political figures, including Zia ur Rehman Barq, a Samajwadi Party MP, to the unrest. They allegedly incited the violence leading to the tragic events of November 24.
Zafar Ali became the first mosque committee member arrested in connection with the violence. After four hours of interrogation at the Sambhal Kotwali Police Station, he was presented in Chandausi court, where he received a two-day judicial remand. His lawyer plans to file a bail application in the district court.
Zafar Ali’s Claims
Zafar Ali maintains his innocence, stating, “I have been falsely implicated. I did not incite people for the violence on November 24.” He claims that his arrest resulted from comments made during a press conference on November 26, where he discussed police firing during the violence. He expressed concerns that his ongoing legal troubles are attempts to silence him.
Charges Against Zafar Ali
Authorities have accused Zafar Ali of informing “miscreants” about the survey team’s visits, which allegedly incited the protests. Police officials said that during the survey on November 24, Zafar was present with the team, which contributed to the gathering crowd and ensuing violence. Additional SP Shirish Chand noted that Ali had been under investigation since the day of the incident.
Ongoing Investigations and Arrests
Currently, over 80 individuals have been arrested in relation to the Shahi Jama Masjid violence, with no one receiving bail thus far. Zafar Ali’s elder brother, Tahir, claims the police aimed to prevent Zafar from testifying before a judicial commission investigating the events of November 24. He remains firm in asserting that the deaths were caused by police firing and plans to challenge Zafar’s arrest in the Allahabad High Court.
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