Lagatar24 Desk
Lucknow: In connection with the violence that erupted during a court-ordered survey at Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ziaur Rahman Barq is being questioned by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday at the local Kotwali police station. Two SIT officials are reportedly conducting the interrogation.
Ahead of the questioning, Barq stated that he has full faith in the judiciary and is cooperating fully with the investigation. However, the SP MP continues to face mounting legal challenges in the case.
The violence occurred on November 24, 2024, during the second phase of a mosque survey, which was initially scheduled for November 19 but postponed due to poor lighting. The survey was conducted following a court order and kept confidential. Only two individuals—Zama Masjid Committee President Zafar Ali and MP Ziaur Rahman Barq—were informed about it.
Despite secrecy, a large crowd gathered early on November 24. This unexpected turnout led to stone-pelting and unrest in the area. Police had not anticipated such a crowd at 7 a.m., raising suspicions about who might have leaked the information. Consequently, both Zafar Ali and Barq were named in the FIR.
The police have since begun analyzing phone records and digital communications. Zafar Ali was previously arrested following questioning in the same case.
Barq, who received an official notice on March 26, claims his name has been wrongly implicated. “My name has been dragged into this without any justification. I will continue to fight my legal battle,” Barq stated.
SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi confirmed that Zafar Ali’s arrest is directly linked to the violence that erupted at the disputed site on November 24.
