Sambhal Violence: Shahi Jama Masjid Head Zafar Ali Arrested, Brother Alleges Conspiracy

A major development has emerged from Sambhal. Zafar Ali, the head of Shahi Jama Masjid, has been arrested in connection with the Sambhal Violence that took place on November 24, 2024. According to Sambhal police, he was taken into custody after an investigation into the unrest.

Officials confirmed that Zafar Ali was detained from his residence on Sunday afternoon and brought to the Sambhal police station. There, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) questioned him regarding the deadly riots that shook the city last year. He is set to be presented in Chandausi court soon.

Brother Calls Arrest a Conspiracy Amid Judicial Probe

Zafar Ali’s arrest has sparked controversy, with his brother alleging a conspiracy. He claimed that Zafar Ali was supposed to record his statements before the judicial investigation commission regarding the violence. However, his arrest happened just before he could testify, raising questions about the timing of the police action.

Breaking :
संभल जामा मस्जिद के सदर जफर अली गिरफ्तार !!

जफर अली पर आरोप है कि 24 नवंबर की हिंसा में उनकी भूमिका रही। उनके बयान भड़काऊ थे।

जफर के भाई का आरोप– कल संभल में न्यायिक जांच आयोग के सामने बयान दर्ज होने थे, उससे पहले गिरफ्तारी की गई। https://t.co/eHU7At6Kiv pic.twitter.com/yg2rYZTQOH

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) March 23, 2025

The Sambhal Violence on November 24 was not an ordinary clash. Reports suggest it was a well-planned conspiracy. The unrest erupted when stones were pelted, injuring multiple people. The situation escalated quickly, leading to three deaths and a breakdown of law and order.

Authorities believe that tensions surrounding Jama Masjid had been brewing for some time. The incident wasn’t spontaneous but orchestrated to trigger large-scale unrest. Following the violence, the administration took strict measures to prevent further escalation.

Police Summoned Zafar Ali Before Arrest

Before his arrest, the Uttar Pradesh Police had summoned Zafar Ali, along with the chief of the Shahi Mosque Committee, for questioning. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra confirmed that officials had called them in connection with the months-old violence.

A detailed 4,000-page chargesheet was filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in six of the 12 cases related to the Sambhal Violence. The investigation revealed that the weapons recovered from the site were manufactured in the UK, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia, further fueling speculation about external involvement.

Security Tightened in Sambhal After the Violence

Since the November 24 riots, no further violent incidents have been reported in Sambhal. However, the police have maintained strict vigilance, especially during recent Holi celebrations. Security forces carried out flag marches to ensure peace, preventing any further disruptions in the region.

With Zafar Ali’s arrest, the focus now shifts to the legal proceedings and the alleged conspiracy behind the riots. The coming days will determine whether more arrests follow or if new revelations come to light.