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SIT hands over notice to SP MP in connection with Sambhal violence
Have received the notice...as a responsible citizen of India, I will fully cooperate with the police inquiry, says Zia-ur-Rehman Barq
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MEERUT The UP Special Investigation Team (SIT) served a notice to Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, at his residence in New Delhi late on Tuesday night, for his alleged involvement in the violence that broke out at Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid during a court-ordered survey of the mosque on November 24. The notice requires the lawmaker to appear and record his statement by April 8 in connection with the incident.
The team went to the MP’s hostel at Western Court and handed over the notice to Barq. SP (Sambhal) KK Bishnoi confirmed the development, stating, “We had visited his residence in Sambhal on Tuesday evening, but he was not present. Neighbours informed us that his entire family is in Delhi, so our SIT delivered the notice at his Delhi address under Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Section 35A.”
Barq acknowledged receipt of the notice and assured his cooperation. “I have received the notice from the Sambhal Police. It states that as per the high court’s order, I am required to assist in the investigation. As a responsible citizen of India, I will fully cooperate with the police inquiry,” he said.
The notice pertains to the violent clashes in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The incident, which erupted while a survey team was inspecting the site, led to the death of four people due to gunfire. The dispute traces back to a claim filed by a Hindu plaintiff in the civil senior division court, Chandausi, on November 19, asserting that the Shahi Jama Masjid was originally Shri Harihar Temple.
Three months ago, the SIT submitted a charge sheet in the court of chief judicial magistrate regarding the violence. A total of 12 FIRs were filed and charge sheets submitted in six of those cases, while investigations continue for the remaining ones.
The SP said the charge sheet in cases naming Barq and SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood’s son as accused would also be filed soon. “Some WhatsApp details related to Barq have been requested from Meta as part of the investigation,” he added.
The notice to Barq is the latest in a series of legal actions against him. On December 20, 2024, a bulldozer action was carried out at his residence in Sambhal, demolishing the staircase of his house. Earlier, the electricity department imposed a fine of ₹1.91 crore on him for alleged power theft and registered an FIR. His electricity connection was also snapped.
With the police tightening its grip on the accused, all eyes are now on Barq’s next move as he prepares to respond to the authorities by April 8.
