Sambhal Violence: Jama Masjid Chief Zafar Ali Arrested For 'Criminal Conspiracy' In Connection With November Violence

Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested Zafar Ali, the Jama Masjid Sadar Chief and head of the Shahi Mosque Committee, for alleged involvement in the 24 November unrest that erupted during a court-ordered survey of the disputed mosque.

As reported by ANI, Zafar Ali was arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy following sustained questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the clashes. He has been booked under various provisions of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.

"A violence took place here on 24 November 2024. In connection with that, Zafar Ali has been arrested after questioning... He was questioned yesterday, also. He has been booked under various sections of the BNS and has been sent to jail," said Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) K K Bishnoi, addressing the media.

"Ali has been arrested under criminal conspiracy," the SP added. Zafar Ali, however, denied the accusations, telling reporters, “I did not incite violence.”

His arrest has sparked protests, with supporters demanding his immediate release, though police have yet to issue a detailed statement clarifying his specific role in the unrest.

Earlier, both Zafar Ali and his son had been summoned for questioning in connection with the violence that left four people dead and several injured, including police personnel and local residents.

The SIT had previously filed a 4,000-page chargesheet in six of the twelve FIRs registered after the incident. The violence had reportedly involved stone-pelting from rooftops, leading to 80 arrests so far.