New Delhi: Two days after massive violence broke out, Sambhal was wrapped in an uneasy calm, forcing authorities to extend the suspension of internet services for an additional 24 hours and beefing up security as a precautionary step to maintain the law and order situation.
As many as 27 persons, including two women, were arrested and put behind bars earlier in the day for being allegedly involved in rioting, stone pelting and other anti-social activities.
K K Bishnoi, SP, Sambhal, pointed out that various police teams have identified over 100 more troublemakers through video recordings, CCTV footage, and raids are being carried out to nab them. The SP added that the internet services have been suspended for the next 24 hours so that there is no rumour-mongering.
Some parts limping back to normalcy
Several pockets of the restive city continue to reel under the fallout of the intense strife, with shops in the Shahi Masjid area staying shut. Even though the ripples of the riot are yet to settle down, some other parts of the district, including markets, schools, and colleges, resumed normal operations. Sambhal SP Bishnoi said that the police were trying to find out why shops in a particular area have remained shut and who owns these shops.
‘Don’t fall prey to rumours or misinformation’
About the developments following the violent incidents, he said that the administration was taking all necessary steps to ensure that peace returns to city as early as possible. He urged the people to cooperate and not fall prey to rumours or misinformation. Authorities also exhorted the citizens to report if they notice any suspicious activity and to refrain from sharing unverified news on social media.
The administration has also vowed that security steps will remain strict so that recurrence of violence in the area is prevented. Restrictions on the entry of outsiders and public representatives into Sambhal have been imposed until November 30.
Earlier on Tuesday, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ram Gopal Yadav hit out at the administration over the stone-pelting incident in Sambhal, alleging that it had intentionally sparked the unrest.
He alleged that the administration had deliberately spread the violence in Sambhal. Yadav added that the administration was trying to cover up their mistakes. “Why no FIR is being filed against the police? We will raise the issue of Sambhal in Parliament… it is our priority and we will not leave it,” he asserted.
What does the FIR say?
Meanwhile, an FIR in the Sambhal violence case has indicated that there might have been a conspiracy in the mob unrest. The FIR reportedly stated that a crowd of “700-800” “charged at cops”, with many “armed with deadly weapons”. The FIR also revealed that “40-50 people tried to attack the police” during the clashes.
On Sunday, violence broke out outside Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid as tensions surrounding the mosque’s survey mounted. The ensuing clashes resulted in four people losing their lives and several others sustaining injuries, including the police and administrative personnel.
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