Allahabad High Court Grants Bail to Three in Sambhal Violence Case
The Allahabad High Court on May 8, 2025, granted bail to three men accused in connection with the Sambhal violence incident that took place in November last year. The bench of Justice Dr. Gautam Chowdhary allowed the bail applications of Faizan, Shane Alam, and Mohammad Rihan.
The three were arrested on different dates following the incident: Rihan on the day of the violence, November 24, 2024; Faizan on November 28, 2024; and Shane Alam on January 19, 2025.
According to the prosecution, an FIR was registered against 700-800 unidentified individuals accused of pelting stones at a police team during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area of Sambhal. Amid the chaos, an unidentified person reportedly opened fire, resulting in a police officer sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg. The violence left four people dead and several others injured.
Counsel for the accused argued that the applicants had no role in the incident and had been falsely implicated. It was also submitted that Shane Alam’s name did not feature in the list of 11 individuals named in the FIR under which he was arrested. The lawyers further contended that the injury suffered by the police official was not life-threatening, and that none of the applicants had any prior criminal record.
The Assistant Government Advocate opposed the bail pleas, stating that the seriousness of the allegations and the pre-trial nature of the proceedings warranted continued custody. He argued that the applicants’ innocence could not be presumed at this stage.
However, after hearing both sides and taking note of the absence of any specific role attributed to the accused in the violence, the court held that it was a fit case for granting bail.
“Considering the overall facts and circumstances, the nature of allegations, the gravity of offence and without expressing any opinion on merits, this Court finds it to be a fit case for bail,” the court observed in its orders.
The accused have been directed to furnish a personal bond and two local sureties to the satisfaction of the trial court. They have also been ordered to comply with several conditions, including not tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, or committing any similar offence during the pendency of the case.
Case Title: Faizan vs State of UP, Mohammad Rihan vs State of UP and Shane Alam vs State of UP
Download orders here