FIR names Sambhal MP, MLA’s son for ‘inciting mob violence’ | India News

SAMBHAL: The FIR filed by the UP police has named Samajwadi Party’s Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq and MLA Iqbal Mahmood’s son Sohail Mahmood for inciting mob violence in the city on Sunday. The clashes, which erupted during a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey at the Mughal era Shahi Jama Masjid, left five dead and several – including 20 police personnel – injured.
The FIR, filed by sub-inspector Deepak Rathi, names Barq as “Accused No. 1” and Mahmood as “Accused No. 2”, along with six more named persons and 700-800 unidentified individuals. The report said that Barq “visited the mosque days before the violence without permission, delivered provocative speeches, and incited the mob via WhatsApp groups.” Mahmood is accused of encouraging the crowd by saying, “Barq is with us… fulfil your intentions.”
The report adds that the mob attacked police with batons, hockey sticks, and firearms, looting pistols, tear gas shells, and magazines. Continuous firing was reported during the clashes, with the mob allegedly aiming to disrupt the survey and harm officers. Circle officer Anuj Chaudhary, injured in the violence, said that the mob’s intent was “to prevent the court-ordered survey.”
The FIR also accuses advocate Zafar Ali, who is part of the mosque’s management committee, of leaking information about the second survey to the accused lawmakers, allegedly aiding their preparations for resistance.