Fri Feb 21 16:41:10 UTC 2025: ## Uttar Pradesh Police File Chargesheets in Sambhal Violence Case
**Lucknow, February 21, 2025** – The Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed six chargesheets, totaling over 4,400 pages, in connection with the Sambhal violence that occurred on November 24, 2024. The chargesheets, based on six FIRs, name 79 accused, all currently in jail, and invoke multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The SIT alleges that Shariq Satha, a fugitive auto-lifter based in the UAE, masterminded the violence. Further chargesheets are expected as the investigation continues.
The violence erupted during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid following a court order. Protesters clashed with police, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries. While seven FIRs were registered, prominent figures like local MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son, Sohail Iqbal, mentioned in some FIRs, are not named in the submitted chargesheets. The Supreme Court has since ordered a halt to proceedings and the survey. Over 50 people have been arrested so far. Police deny allegations of firing on protesters.
First Piper 