Sambhal violence case: Court orders FIR against 12 cops over alleged shooting; SP refuses, calls directive ‘illegal’ | Bareilly News
BAREILLY: A Sambhal court on Tuesday directed the district police to file an FIR against 12 officers, including the then circle officer (CO) and SHO, over an alleged police shooting during the Nov 24, 2024 violence that happened while survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid was on. But in a dramatic turn of events, police have refused to comply with what it called an “illegal order that will be challenged in a higher court”.The court directive was issued by the chief judicial magistrate in response to a complaint filed by Yameen, a resident of Khaggu Sarai Anjuman locality under Nakhasa police station. He alleged that his son Alam was shot by police near the mosque during the clashes that broke out while a court-mandated survey of the site was being conducted. Yameen told the court Alam had stepped out to sell food on the streets when he was hit by a bullet. The family, he said, avoided contacting police and arranged for treatment in secret due to fear.The complaint, filed on Feb 6, 2024, named then CO Anuj Chaudhary, then Chandausi Kotwali SHO Anuj Tomar and other officers. After hearing the matter, the court directed that an FIR be registered against all named and unnamed officers involved. The complainant’s advocate, Chaudhary Akhtar Hussain, said they were informed about the order on Tuesday evening, but had not received a certified copy as it was issued late.Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar Bishnoi told TOI, “This is an illegal order and we will not register any FIR on the court’s direction. A judicial inquiry into the violence has already concluded that police action was correct. We will file an appeal at the appropriate forum.”Chaudhary, now posted as additional SP (rural) in Firozabad, is also a decorated sportsperson. A freestyle wrestler, he represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the 84kg category. He also won silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2010, and was conferred the Arjuna Award in recognition of his sporting achievements. He joined Uttar Pradesh police through the sports quota in 2012.Last year, Chaudhary was caught in a controversy after a video of his remarks during a peace committee meeting ahead of Holi came out. As the festival coincided with Friday prayers, he said, “Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times in a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay indoors that day. Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together.” A police inquiry later gave him a clean chit, stating that his comments did not violate any law or service conduct rules.Chaudhary’s visibility extended beyond policing. With nearly 9 lakh followers on Instagram, he became widely known for his videos featuring temple visits, fitness routines and motivational messages.The violence on Nov 24, 2024, followed the second phase of a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid, which was claimed in a civil suit to be Shri Harihar Mandir. While the first phase on Nov 19 was conducted without resistance, large crowds gathered on Nov 24 to oppose the second visit by the survey team. Police said they came under heavy stone-pelting and gunfire. Five people were killed and several others injured, including the then CO, a deputy collector and 29 policemen.In the aftermath, police registered 12 FIRs at Sambhal Kotwali and Nakhasa police stations, booking more than 2,200 people. Over 100 accused were sent to jail, including three women and Shahi Jama Masjid’s sadar Zafar Ali Advocate. Three aides of absconding gangster Sharif Satha — Mulla Afroz, Waris and Ghulam — were also jailed. Authorities invoked the National Security Act against several key accused. Ali was released from Moradabad jail on Aug 1, 2024, after being granted bail by Allahabad high court. He had been arrested on March 24 and remained in jail for 131 days.
