Sambhal Violence: UP Police Arrests Mohammed Aqil Over Controversial Call To Pakistani Maulvi, Accused of Endangering India’s Unity

The Uttar Pradesh police has arrested a 24-year-old man in state's Sambhal district on charges of endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, Indian Express reported.

This action comes after a video of him allegedly speaking to a maulana in Pakistan on the Shahi Jama Masjid issue went viral.

The man, Mohammed Aqil, was arrested from Mirzapur Narullapur village on Thursday (30 January) and booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a non-bailable offence, after a police official lodged a complaint against him at Bahjoi police station in Sambhal.

Aqil was presented in court on Friday and then sent to jail.

Aqil spoke to a Pakistan-based maulvi Mohammed Ali Mirza on January 15, asking him whether or not those who died in the violence that broke out in Sambhal on November 24 last year after a court-ordered survey of the local Shahi Jama Masjid should be called martyrs, according to Sambhal assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Shrish Chandra, IE reported.

“He also raised questions on the role of the police in containing the violence that day. The contents of the video call and the mobile chat with the maulvi are in our possession. This has hurt the sentiments of the people and denigrated the image of the country,” ASP Chandra was quoted as saying in the IE report.

The violence led to five deaths and injuries to many, including police personnel.

The survey was ordered to ascertain if the mosque had been built after destroying a temple following a petition filed before a local court.

ASP Chandra said that the police are examining Aqil’s mobile phone to ascertain any additional contacts in Pakistan.

“We are also investigating if he was involved in the violence in the town in November,” he added.

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