Tue Nov 26 09:14:13 UTC 2024: **Samajwadi Party MP Accused of Inciting Violence During Mosque Survey in Uttar Pradesh**
**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh –** A first information report (FIR) has been filed against Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman, accusing him of instigating violence that erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The violence, which resulted in four deaths and injuries to a police officer, occurred on Sunday after a mob prevented the survey of the Mughal-era mosque, which is at the center of a legal dispute regarding its construction on a site allegedly belonging to a Hindu temple.
The FIR, filed by local police, alleges that Rehman made provocative statements two days prior to the incident, inciting the crowd to obstruct the survey. It also names Sohail Iqbal, son of local Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mahmood, and 700-800 unidentified individuals. The mob allegedly attacked police, vandalized property, set shops on fire, and even shot at a Circle Officer, injuring him in the leg.
Rehman, who denies the accusations, blames the police for the violence and claims Muslims were targeted. He maintains he was not present in Sambhal during the incident. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav echoed these claims, calling the incident a “government riot” and meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to raise the issue.
Police are investigating using drone footage and CCTV cameras to identify perpetrators and are considering invoking the stringent National Security Act. The incident has sparked a major political row, with opposition leaders calling for Supreme Court intervention. The FIR charges Rehman and others with unlawful assembly, assault on public servants, endangering lives, promoting disharmony, and destruction of private property.
First Piper 