Sambhal Court Directs FIR Against Police Officers Over Shooting Incident
A court in Sambhal issued a significant directive on Tuesday. It ordered the district police to register a First Information Report against twelve officers. These officers include the then circle officer and the station house officer. The order relates to an alleged police shooting during violence on November 24, 2024.
Violence Erupted During Mosque Survey
The incident occurred while authorities conducted a court-mandated survey of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid. A resident named Yameen filed the complaint that led to the court's order. He alleged that police shot his son, Alam, near the mosque during the clashes.
Yameen told the court his son had stepped out to sell food on the streets when a bullet hit him. The family said they avoided contacting police due to fear. They arranged for medical treatment in secret.
Police Defy Court Order, Call It Illegal
In a dramatic response, police officials refused to comply with the court's directive. Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi called the order illegal. He stated police would not register any FIR based on the court's direction.
"We will file an appeal at the appropriate forum," Bishnoi told reporters. He noted a judicial inquiry into the violence had already concluded police action was correct.
Details of the Complaint and Named Officers
The complaint was filed on February 6, 2024. It specifically named then Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary and then Chandausi Kotwali SHO Anuj Tomar. Other officers were also named. After hearing the matter, the chief judicial magistrate directed registration of an FIR against all named and unnamed officers involved.
The complainant's advocate, Chaudhary Akhtar Hussain, said they learned about the order on Tuesday evening. They had not received a certified copy as it was issued late.
Background on Officer Anuj Chaudhary
Anuj Chaudhary, now posted as additional SP in Firozabad, has a notable background. He is a decorated freestyle wrestler who represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He won silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2010. The government conferred the Arjuna Award on him for his sporting achievements.
Chaudhary joined Uttar Pradesh police through the sports quota in 2012. He maintains a significant social media presence with nearly nine lakh followers on Instagram. His posts often feature temple visits, fitness routines, and motivational messages.
Last year, a video of his remarks during a peace committee meeting sparked controversy. He suggested people uncomfortable with Holi colors should stay indoors since the festival comes once a year, while Friday prayers occur weekly. A police inquiry later gave him a clean chit, stating his comments did not violate any rules.
Context of the November 2024 Violence
The shooting allegation stems from violence that erupted on November 24, 2024. This followed the second phase of a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid. A civil suit claims the site as Shri Harihar Mandir.
The first survey phase on November 19 proceeded without resistance. However, large crowds gathered on November 24 to oppose the second visit by the survey team. Police reported coming under heavy stone-pelting and gunfire.
The violence resulted in five fatalities and several injuries. Among the injured were the then circle officer, a deputy collector, and twenty-nine policemen.
Aftermath and Legal Actions
Following the violence, police registered twelve FIRs at Sambhal Kotwali and Nakhasa police stations. They booked more than 2,200 people in connection with the incident. Over one hundred accused were sent to jail, including three women and the mosque's sadar, Zafar Ali Advocate.
Authorities also jailed three aides of absconding gangster Sharif Satha. They invoked the National Security Act against several key accused. Zafar Ali Advocate was released from Moradabad jail on August 1, 2024, after the Allahabad High Court granted him bail. He had spent 131 days in jail following his arrest on March 24.
The court's order for an FIR against police officers marks a new development in this complex case. The police refusal to comply sets the stage for a legal battle in higher courts.
