Latest news with #JamaMasjidCommittee
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sambhal violence: Charge sheet details SP MP Barq's conversation with Jama Masjid president
MEERUT The UP Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has named Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Jama Masjid Committee president Zafar Ali as the main conspirators in the violence that broke out near Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid in November last year. The 1,100-page charge sheet filed in the case highlights a conspiracy to obstruct the lawful survey through mob mobilisation and incitement. According to the charge sheet, the SP MP's personal assistant's father, Rizwan, an electrician at the mosque, also played a pivotal role in assembling the mob. (File Photo) 'The charge sheet details multiple conversations that took place between Barq and Shahi Jama Masjid's president Zafar Ali from November 22 to 24. They conspired to stop the court-ordered survey and were responsible for gathering the crowd on November 24, the day on which widespread violence broke out,' said SP (Sambhal) KK Bishnoi. According to the charge sheet, the SP MP's personal assistant's father, Rizwan, an electrician at the mosque, also played a pivotal role in assembling the mob. Acting on the instructions of Barq, Rizwan made several calls to people from areas around the Jama Masjid and from Sarai Tareen, urging them to gather in large numbers to prevent the survey scheduled for November 24. Rizwan's call detail records (CDRs), reviewed by the police, corroborated this account. Investigation revealed that individuals contacted by Rizwan were also directly involved in orchestrating the violence. Their participation was confirmed through phone conversations and subsequent evidence gathered during the probe. In total, 23 individuals have been named as accused in the charge sheet. Some have been arrested, while others have been served notices under Section 35(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The charge sheet states that Zafar Ali, the mosque committee president, first received information about the impending survey late on November 23. He immediately informed MP Barq, who responded that the survey must not be allowed to proceed and instructed for a crowd to be gathered. Barq held multiple conversations with Rizwan that night, directing him to organise resistance. The next morning, a large crowd assembled, ultimately resulting in violent clashes, it further stated. Zafar Ali is also accused of holding a press conference after the incident and issuing misleading statements about the events and the legality of the survey. Despite multiple rounds of questioning, he failed to provide any substantial evidence and eventually admitted that the MP had instructed the gathering of the crowd. Zafar Ali has been in judicial custody since March 23. List of Accused in charge sheet: MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, Zafar Ali (president, Jama Masjid Committee), Asif, Danish, Muzammil, Subhan, Jamshed Alam, Rafiq Ali, Asim, Abdul Rahman, Rizwan, Haji Rashid, Laddan Khan, Mumtaz, Itrat Hussain, Matahir Hussain, Abdul Mabood Khan, Mohsin, Arish, Gilman, Zahid Ali, Altamash and Muzammil Khan. In addition to Zafar Ali, five other office-bearers of the Jama Masjid Committee have been named as accused. While none of these five have been arrested, they have been served legal notices under Section 35(3). The SIT has recorded statements of 14 key witnesses, including police officers and advocates, who were present during the violence. These testimonies, the charge sheet notes, are critical and provide first-hand accounts of the events as they unfolded. The son of SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood, Suhail Iqbal, who was initially named in the FIR along with 700–800 unidentified individuals, has been given a clean chit by the SIT. Though his presence at the site was confirmed, no active role in instigating or participating in the violence was found. A controversial speech delivered by MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq on November 22 outside the Jama Masjid has been cited as a major trigger in the charge sheet. In his speech, Barq had stated that the mosque's survey was illegal and declared that 'this was a mosque and will remain a mosque.' The SIT argues that this inflammatory statement created a highly sensitive atmosphere, directly contributing to the violence that erupted two days later. The speech has been included as evidence and will be presented in court. Notably, Barq, protected by a high court stay on arrest, was questioned for four hours on April 8 in Delhi. Zafar Ali was arrested in March based on 'emerging evidence' of his involvement. With his bail applications rejected, Ali, also a practicing lawyer, remains in jail.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Badaun temple-mosque case: Next hearing fixed for July 5 as debate on maintainability continues
MEERUT A court in Badaun on Wednesday set July 5 to hear the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple-Shamsi Jama Masjid case. The matter, which earlier fell under the jurisdiction of the fast-track court, was transferred to the court of Suman Tiwari, civil judge (senior division) here and hearing was held during the day. The petition was originally filed by Mukesh Patel on behalf of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, alleging that the Shamsi Jama Masjid in the city was constructed over the remnants of a fort that belonged to King Mahipal, and that within its premises stood the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Contradicting this claim, the Jama Masjid Management Committee argued that no such temple ever existed at the site. In recent weeks, the case gained momentum, with the courtroom shifting its focus to the core procedural question: Is this case admissible in court, or not? The upcoming hearing on July 5 is expected to address this legal question in depth. On the previous hearing date, Judge Pushpendra Chaudhary, who had recently taken charge of the fast-track court, had heard preliminary arguments from both sides. However, he deferred further proceedings to allow himself time to examine the case files thoroughly. According to Ved Prakash Sahu, counsel for the Hindu side, the judge will soon determine whether to reopen arguments or proceed from where the previous arguments had left off. The case has seen several procedural delays. Notably, advocates representing the Jama Masjid Committee failed to appear on multiple scheduled dates. Earlier, judge Amit Kumar, then presiding over the FTC, had given the Muslim side a final opportunity and set a hearing for February 11, which was disrupted by a lawyers' strike. The case was later adjourned to March 10, but due to judge Amit Kumar being on leave, it was again deferred to March 20. On that day, Anwar Alam, lawyer for the Jama Masjid Committee, submitted a petition citing a Supreme Court directive that lower courts cannot adjudicate on such matters. This led the additional civil judge (senior division) to assign a new date, April 2. However, further delays ensued when judge Amit Kumar was transferred to Bhadohi district, and it took time for a new judge to assume charge. As a result, another hearing was held on April 21, bringing the case to its current stage. With the legal focus now shifting to the question of jurisdiction and maintainability, all eyes are on the July 5 hearing, which may determine whether the case proceeds to trial or is dismissed at the threshold. As per the petition, in the year 1175, Muslim ruler Shamsuddin Altamash (Iltutmish) converted the temple into the Jama Masjid. The Hindu side submitted a gazetteer written during the British era and a 144-year-old ASI report to the court. On the other hand, the Muslim side claimed that they presented a consolidation document in court, which records the ownership of this land in the name of Jama Masjid.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jama Masjid committee urges PM Modi to act against MLA Balmukundacharya
1 2 Jaipur: The Jama Masjid management committee Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to take cognisance of BJP MLA Balmukundacharya 's actions, accusing him of disrespecting the sanctity of the mosque and attempting to incite communal violence in Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal MLA had led a group of supporters to the Walled City Jama Masjid ahead of the Friday prayers and stuck a poster of "Pakistan Murdabad" on the mosque's stairs. He also stamped on the mosque's stairs as his supporters sloganeered outside the mosque. The BJP MLA's conduct, which led to widespread protests on Friday and and FIR against him, saw Zahirullah Khan, secretary of the Jama Masjid Committee (JMC) strongly criticise the MLA's actions on Saturday. "PM Modi speaks of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,' yet your party's MLA brazenly entered the mosque during the time of Nawaz (prayers) to provoke riots. Modiji, your silence would mean that you endorse his acts," Khan said. Responding to reports that suggested Muslims objected to anti-Pakistan slogans raised by the MLA and his supporters, Adarsh Nagar MLA Rafeek Khan said the Jama Masjid had hosted a special prayer for the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack minutes before the MLA and his supporters disrupted Friday prayers. "The objection was not to the slogans but to the trespassing into an important mosque with the clear intention of provoking violence among worshippers," Khan said. Calling out Balmukundacharya for his anti-Muslim acts, Jaipur Municipal Corporation representatives said, "Not only did he forcibly enter the mosque, but he also entered the women's prayer hall, harassed women at the Shia Imambargah, overstepped his authority by raiding meat shops, harassed Muslims on the streets, and delivered hate speeches." Kishanpole MLA Amin Kagzi said Balmukundacharya's actions were part of a "nefarious design to disrupt peace." "This MLA is not only an enemy of Muslims but is also working against you. His actions, which tarnish Jaipur's image, will ultimately harm the city's reputation before investors participating in the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit and tourists visiting from across the globe. If you fail to reprimand him, be ready to face the anger of Jaipurites, including our Hindu brothers," he said.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP MLA booked for hurting religious sentiments after high drama at Jaipur mosque
Following communal tension sparked by a protest against the terror attack in Pahalgam, the police on Saturday registered a criminal case against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Balmukund Acharya on charges of hurting religious sentiments by leading a sloganeering crowd that assembled outside the Jama Masjid in the Walled City here. Mr. Acharya, 48, accompanied by his supporters and a large number of BJP leaders and party workers, allegedly raised offensive slogans and put up posters on the mosque premises late on Friday night. The high drama at the mosque led to anger among those offering prayers and a large number of people gathered to protest against the MLA. Congress MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi as well as Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph reached the spot and controlled the situation. A First Information Report was later registered against Mr. Acharya on a complaint lodged by the Jama Masjid Committee. Mr. Acharya and other BJP leaders had marched to the mosque from an 'Akrosh Sabha' held at Badi Chaupar in protest against the killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam. They held up saffron flags and torches, and raised slogans, including 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Pakistan Murdabad', creating panic among those present inside the mosque. The BJP MLA allegedly entered the mosque with his shoes on, pasted a poster on the steps, and announced that those supporting the terrorists who had asked the victims about their religion before killing them, would be sent to the 'gates of heaven one by one'. The FIR stated that Mr. Acharya and his supporters had threatened to kill Muslims. The FIR was registered under Sections 298 (injuring or defiling place of worship), 300 (disturbing religious assembly), 302 (uttering word with intent to wound religious feelings), and 351 (3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police sources said the investigation had been handed over to the CID-Crime Branch, the nodal agency for probing cases registered against public representatives. As communal tension spread in the city, Mr. Acharya released a statement on the social media, expressing regret over the incident. A heavy police force was deployed at the Jama Masjid to maintain law and order, and almost all shops in the market were closed. The police conducted a flag march on the main road of Johari Bazaar, while contingents of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary and Special Task Force contingents were deployed in sensitive areas of the State capital. Although the Jama Masjid Committee and senior leaders of the Muslim community announced at a press conference on Saturday that they would wait for legal action on the FIR, a crowd of restive youths gathered outside the mosque in Johari Bazaar after the evening prayers, and raised slogans demanding Mr. Acharya's immediate arrest. The police used mild force to disperse the crowd. A first-time MLA, Mr. Acharya represents the Hawa Mahal Assembly constituency in the Walled City of Jaipur. He has been in the thick of controversies ever since he won the 2023 State Assembly election from Hawa Mahal with a slender margin of 974 votes. The saffron-clad Hindutva leader, who is the chief priest of the Hathoj Dham temple, has launched campaigns against non-vegetarian food, loudspeakers at mosques, girls wearing 'hijab' in government schools, and the presence of Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugees in the city.
Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Booked for Jaipur Jama Masjid poster row, BJP MLA no stranger to controversy: Who is Balmukundacharya
BJP MLA from Jaipur's Hawa Mahal constituency, Balmukundacharya, has landed in another controversy now. Balmukundacharya, 48, has been booked by the police on Friday night on a complaint alleging that he along with a group of his supporters raised slogans and pasted offensive posters in the Jama Masjid premises in the walled city in Jaipur. The incident sparked communal tension in the area and prompted the intervention of the police. Tension flared when the BJP MLA and his supporters gathered outside Jama Masjid on Friday night and began sloganeering and putting up posters there, according to the police. This led to another group to gather in the area and hold a protest against Balmukundacharya's alleged action, prompting Jaipur Commissioner Biju George as well as Congress MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi to reach the spot. Following a complaint from the Jama Masjid Committee, an FIR was registered against Balmukundacharya late on Friday night. In a post on social media, Balmukundacharya, a first-time MLA, said he had participated in a protest earlier on Friday against the Pahalgam terrorist attack. 'On a call given by Sarva Hindu Samaj, I joined a public outrage meeting at Jaipur's Badi Chaupad to protest against the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and paid tributes to the innocent people killed. I protested against this incident by raising slogans of 'Pakistan Murdabad, Aatankvad Murdabad (Down with Pakistan, down with terrorism)',' he stated. The Muslim protesters alleged that the BJP MLA entered the mosque with his shoes on, indulged in sloganeering and put up posters on the walls in a 'deliberate attempt to disturb peace'. One of the four religious leaders elected on the BJP ticket in the Rajasthan Assembly elections in December 2023, Balmukundacharya had hit the headlines for the first time hours after the poll results that saw the BJP storm back to power after defeating the incumbent Congress. At the time, Balmukundacharya asked local officials to take action against alleged encroachment by non-vegetarian restaurants in parts of Jaipur's old city, questioning if they could sell in the open and whether they had a licence. In a video that had then surfaced of the Hawa Mahal MLA outside the Old M M Khan Hotel, one of the more popular eateries in Jaipur, he was seen pulling up the restaurant manager claiming that women cannot pass by the place, and that 'sharabi kebabi (drunk and characterless)' persons who throng there spoil the atmosphere. He went on to say purportedly that this was 'Apara Kashi (Our Kashi), not Karachi', amid slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram'. Later, as a controversy followed, Balmukundacharya had apologised for these comments, while the Jaipur Municipal Corporation said that unlicensed vendors would be issued notices. Talking to The Indian Express at the time, Balmukundacharya had said the issue he raised was valid but it was perceived 'in a wrong way'. 'Rules say that meat should be cut in factories and then distributed. But here, there are unlicensed shops all around, leading to diseases. Now after I raised it, there is a queue of people seeking a licence. Where were these people for five years?' While he has sparked several controversies in less than two years as an MLA, Balmukundacharya's election campaign too had made headlines. He claimed the main issue in his constituency to be 'an exodus from the walled city'. 'Businessmen and those living here for generations are vacating. There is also encroachment of religious places, while old temples and structures have been razed or changed beyond recognition,' he had said. On the day of the Assembly election result, till the penultimate round, his opponent, R R Tiwari of the Congress, had been leading, but in the final round, Tiwari received only 374 votes against Balmukundacharya's 4,061, and lost. Tiwari eventually lost by just 974 votes, with the AIMIM and Aam Aadmi Party together polling 1,161 votes and spoiling his chances. After his win, Balmukundacharya had said his priority would be the restoration of temples and old structures, developing parks, businesses, addressing traffic woes, installing cameras to provide security, deploying female police squads, setting up a sports academy and a yoga centre, all of which would help attract tourists. He had also said: 'My vision is that 'all 36 qaum (communities)' are now my family. Hindus – which include Sikhs, hence there is no need to mention them separately – Muslims and Christians, we are all brothers. We have to change this city and make it beautiful, we have to restore the old form of the city.' Balmukundacharya is well-known among the locals as the mahant of the popular Hathoj Dham temple. The MLA had told The Indian Express that his family had a long-running tradition of pooja, sewa and adhyatam (prayer, service and spirituality). 'Last five to six generations of my family have been devoted to temples, maths, ashrams and gaushalas. I myself run an ashram, mandir, gaushala and a gurukul. Hathoj Dham is the centre (of our religious activities) with multiple branches,' he said. According to Balmukundacharya, he had been associated with the RSS since childhood, apart from with the Bajrang Dal and VHP. 'Wherever I went or worked, I constantly went to (RSS) shakhas,' he said. His formal education ended mid-Class 10. He said he later studied Sanatan Dharma through pooja paath (prayer) and Vedic studies from a gurukul and at home. He is married with three people listed as 'dependents' in his 2023 election affidavit. He also claimed to have been jailed twice over the Ayodhya Ram Temple movement. Friday's incident at Jama Masjid is the latest in a line of controversies allegedly involving Balmukundacharya. In January 2024, videos went viral of his comments against students wearing the hijab at government schools during a visit to one such school, which was followed by a call by senior Cabinet minister Kirodi Lal Meena to enforce a hijab ban. Later, Muslim students surrounded a police station and sought an apology from the MLA. In July 2024, Balmukundacharya said people of 'a particular community' have 'four begums and 36 children' while calling for laws on population control, which the Congress criticised as showing the ruling BJP's intention to 'target the Muslim community'. 'There is a huge problem of increasing population. There is a particular community which has 'char begum aur chhatis bacche'. There are countless such cases. This is wrong. There should be equal laws for everyone, otherwise how will the country move forward,' the BJP MLA was heard saying in a video that later surfaced. Last September, Balmukundacharya held a 'purification' ceremony at the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage (JMCH) office to remove the 'stains' of corruption and to 'convert' turncoat Congress councillors into 'Sanatanis' before they could lend support to the BJP. The BJP had removed sitting JMCH Mayor Munesh Gurjar following charges of corruption against her, replacing her with its own pick of Kusum Yadav, propped up with the support of seven Congress turncoats and one Independent, all of whom later joined the BJP. Before Yadav took charge, the JMCH premises, the councillors and JMCH officers were 'purified' by Balmukundacharya, who had sprinkled a combination of Gangajal and gomutra (cow urine) on the councillors as well on the premises. Earlier this year in March, he made several statements critical of loudspeakers in mosques, including at an event of the BJP's legal cell. 'I have a complaint which will be resolved only through you (lawyers). A lot of us have migraines; we get headaches. The loudspeaker is played five times a day very loudly. The lawyers should please accept my prayer. I appoint you and you should resolve this problem as my lawyers,' he said. While the Congress had criticised him for 'stoking communal tensions', he was even reprimanded by Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, saying that 'we don't use such indecent language'.
