Sambhal violence: Posters of ‘stone pelters’ to be shown, and protesters to cover property damage costs

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government would make protesters part of the Sambhal violence pay for property damage, and posters of "stone pelters" will be put in public locations, an official said on Wednesday.

Four people were killed and others injured in Sambhal on Sunday after a confrontation erupted over a court-ordered assessment of the city's Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi district, in response to a petition stating that a Harihar temple had stood on the site.

"The UP government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest," an official spokesperson said.

In a similar initiative, the government had previously put up posters of individuals linked to vandalism during the anti-CAA protests in 2020. These posters were displayed across several locations, including the state capital, but were later removed following a court order.

The violence in Sambhal erupted on Sunday when a large crowd gathered near a mosque and began chanting slogans as a survey team resumed its work. The situation escalated when the protesters clashed with security personnel, set vehicles on fire, and pelted stones.

So far, police have arrested 25 individuals and registered seven FIRs, which include charges against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Sohail Iqbal, son of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, and over 2,750 unidentified suspects.

A magisterial probe is underway, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was now under control. He assured that "strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest."

With PTI inputs