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Hindustan Times
7 hours 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.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
Rural policing and surveillance initiative has been well received by public in Kanniyakumari
The Rural Policing and Surveillance initiative launched by Kanniyakumari District Superintendent of Police R. Stalin in April has gained widespread appreciation among the villagers. The initiative was introduced with the objective of reducing crime rates and improving public access to police services. As part of the initiative, two surveillance cameras have been installed at the entry point of the village or hamlet. Additionally, a police personnel from the station under whose jurisdiction, the village falls has been assigned as the in-charge of the village. These officers were directed to visit their assigned villages thrice a week and receive petitions from the public. A total of 764 constables have been assigned as in-charge officers for the villages and they will be supervised by sub inspectors, inspectors and Deputy Superintendent of Police of the jurisdiction. As of June 19, 1,164 villages have been selected for the programme and 415 villages have already been equipped with cameras, while remaining villages were assigned with police officers and camera installations are under way. Though the initiative was launched a couple of months ago, it has already received positive feedback from the public. Raj, from Theroor highlighted the improved accessibility between the public and the police. He mentioned that the initiative has made several processes easier including passport verification, clearance certificates and others. 'We often hear about crimes targeting elderly and women in rural areas across the State. But initiatives like this can help reduce such incidents,' he noted. Bhaskar, a resident of Pulluvilai, said that the initiative has instilled confidence among the public. He added, 'A few weeks ago a two wheeler went missing from our village. But we contacted our in-charge officer Rajkumar and the bike was recovered within a short span of time.' He emphasised that the initiative should continue to remain as effective as it is now. Speaking on the public response Mr. Stalin said, 'I was born and brought up in a rural area and I have experienced the lack of access between police and public in such regions.' He added that the initiative was introduced to bridge the gap between police personnel and villagers. To support this effort, car services have been provided for officers visiting remote tribal hamlets in Pechiparai, Arukani, Pathukani etc,. The SP further noted that in addition to surveillance cameras installed in shops and on roads, setting up cameras at the village entry points has significantly reduced crime rates. It has also made it easier for people to reach out their assigned police personnel directly on their mobile phones. This has also helped in preventing several crimes and facilitated timely tip-offs in cases related to ganja and other illegal activities, the SP said.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Together, firmly': Rahul Gandhi acknowledges Akhilesh Yadav's b'day wish, SP chief and Congress MP reaffirm shared PDA Agenda
Amidst fluctuating relations between the Samajwadi Party and Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav engaged in a public exchange on X, signaling a potential thaw. Gandhi assured Yadav that they would jointly advocate for the PDA, a coalition of backwards, Dalits, and minorities, from the streets to Parliament. LUCKNOW: Amid ongoing blow-hot-blow-cold ties between SP and the Congress - the two key INDIA bloc constituents -- Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav not only exchanged pleasantries on X, but the former also assured the latter that they would raise the voice of PDA together. The PDA (backwards, Dalits and minorities) was the term coined by the SP chief to appeal to the OBCs, SCs and Muslims before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. O n the occasion of Rahul's 55th birthday, Akhilesh took to his X handle to extend greetings. "Heartfelt congratulations to Rahul Gandhi on his birthday and best wishes for his harmonious, inclusive, and comprehensive socio-political activism!" wrote Akhilesh. In response to the post, Rahul wrote back: "Akhilesh ji, thank you very much for your wishes. We will continue to raise the voice of the people of Uttar Pradesh - especially the PDA - even more strongly from the streets to Parliament. Together, firmly." This was the first time after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls that the two leaders spoke publicly about 'moving ahead together'. It comes close on the heels of Akhilesh's press statement announcing that the INDIA bloc would contest 2027 UP elections together amid the UP Congress's organisational building workshop focusing on fortifying their unit in all the 403 seats of the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo UP state leaders, however, maintained that there was no rift with the SP. "The so-called rift between SP and us was a handiwork of the BJP propaganda peddlers who are scared of the power of the INDIA bloc," said Ajay Rai, UP Congress president. AICC incharge for UP, Avinash Pande, said: "Organisational building is a primary commitment of party leadership with its followers and workers. We have been working on all the 403 seats of UP to be able to take on the BJP in a much stronger way. Strengthening Congress means fortifying the INDIA bloc as well," he said. Rahul to Akhilesh: We will raise PDA's voice together Amid ongoing blow-hot-blow-cold ties between SP and the Cong -- the two key INDIA bloc constituents -- Cong MP Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav not only exchanged pleasantries on X, but the former also assured the latter that they would raise the voice of PDA together. The PDA (backwards, Dalits and minorities) was the term coined by the SP chief to appeal to the OBCs, SCs and Muslims before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Sharad Pawar hints at continuing alliance with MVA constituents for civic polls: ‘will take a final decision'
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar indicated Friday that the party's pre-poll alliance with constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will continue during the upcoming civic polls, similar to how it was during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra. He also expressed the need to give due importance to the Shiv Sena (UBT) for its strength in Mumbai. 'The Supreme Court has given a timeframe to hold civic polls in the state. It cannot be delayed, and our prediction is that the election process is likely to start in three months. It has not been decided yet but it is our attempt to bring all MVA partners together. We all, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and other small parties will discuss and take a final decision on whether there is willingness to contest the civic polls together,' said Pawar. 'We have not done any discussion but in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is more powerful among us. So that will have to be taken into consideration,' he added. The NCP(SP) chief refused to comment on the war of words between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) during the Sena's foundation day events on June 19, Thursday. During the function, Shinde accused the Sena (UBT) of looting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), while Uddhav vowed to reclaim Mumbai. Regarding the debate on introducing Hindi language in Maharashtra's schools, Pawar said, 'It should not be made mandatory. However, ignoring it is not in the interest of students. Those who want to learn should be allowed to do so. Students should decide under the guidance of their parents.' The NCP(SP) chief said that around 60 per cent of the country's population speaks Hindi, and the language cannot be ignored as it enables communication with people across the country. Pointing out that the increase in rainfall across the state will boost the groundwater level, Pawar said, 'The situation seems good this time as there will be sufficient availability of water this year. However, if there is damage to crops due to excess rainfall, the state government should provide compensation.'
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Maharashtra govt rejigs committee to resolve border dispute with Karnataka
The Maharashtra government has reconstituted the high-powered committee to resolve the state's border dispute with neighbouring Karnataka. According to a government resolution (GR) issued on Thursday, the committee, headed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, was reconstituted because crucial decisions regarding the border dispute need to be taken with consensus by a non-partisan and representative body. From time to time, the committee has been reconstituted as new governments took office. A similar exercise had been carried out on November 22, 2022, months after the then Mahayuti alliance took charge with Eknath Shinde as the chief minister. The committee has now been reconstituted following the formation of the new government, with Fadnavis as the CM, after last year's assembly polls. Fadnavis heads the 18-member committee, which also includes his deputies Shinde and Ajit Pawar and former CMs Narayan Rane, Sharad Pawar and Prithviraj Chavan. NCP (SP) MLAs Rohit Patil and Jayant Patil, ministers Chandrakant Patil, Shambhuraj Desai, Prakash Abitkar, Suresh Khade, BJP legislators Sudhir Gadgil, Sachin Kalyan Shetty, leaders of opposition in the legislative assembly and council are among the other members of the committee. The Maharashtra assembly currently does not have a leader of opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress legislators do not figure in the high-powered committee. The border issue dates back to 1957 after the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines. Maharashtra sought to include Belagavi, which was part of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, as it has a sizeable Marathi-speaking population. It also laid claim to over 800 Marathi-speaking villages that are currently in Karnataka. Karnataka maintains the demarcation done on linguistic lines as per the States Reorganisation Act and the 1967 Mahajan Commission Report as final.
