FIR lodged against Samajwadi Party MP and MLA’s son over Sambhal violence

New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Police has filed seven FIRs in connection with violence surrounding a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal. Among those named in the FIRs are Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood, officials said on Monday.

The clashes, which erupted on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of four people, including one injured individual who succumbed on Monday. Several others, including police and administrative officials, were injured. Protesters opposing the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid clashed with security forces, leading to the violence.

The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders, suspended internet services in Sambhal tehsil, and banned the entry of outsiders into the area until November 30. Schools in the region remained closed on Monday, and a magisterial inquiry has been initiated to probe the incident.

Divisional Commissioner A.K. Singh stated that initial post-mortem reports suggested the victims were killed by bullets from country-made weapons. Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar revealed that six individuals, including Barq and Iqbal, have been named in the FIRs, with 2,750 others unidentified.

Officials indicated that Barq’s earlier statements, particularly his remarks about “protecting Jama Masjid,” may have contributed to the unrest. The MP had previously received a notice regarding these statements. When questioned about Barq’s whereabouts during the violence, Kumar said the MP was reportedly in Bengaluru, but his earlier remarks had fueled tensions.

The situation in Sambhal remains tense, with authorities maintaining strict security measures to prevent further escalation.