Sambhal violence: court frames attempt to murder and rioting charges against 50 accused

Sambhal: A local court has framed charges of attempt to murder, rioting, and other serious offences against 50 individuals accused in connection with the violence that erupted during a protest in Sambhal on November 24 last year. The incident occurred during demonstrations against a court-ordered survey of a mosque.

Additional District Sessions Judge (SC/ST) Ragini Singh also rejected discharge applications filed by several of the accused, clearing the way for the trial to begin.

Assistant District Government Counsel Hariom Prakash Saini said that five defence lawyers had filed applications seeking the release of their clients, claiming the accused were not named in the initial police reports and were detained without credible evidence.

The charge sheet in the case was filed on February 21. The accused are now facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 109 (attempt to murder), Section 191 (rioting), Section 326 (use of fire or explosive substance), and Section 324 (destruction of public property).

“The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, dismissed all discharge applications and formally framed charges against the 50 accused,” Saini said.

The trial will resume on May 26, when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting evidence.