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The November 24 violence erupted after a court-ordered survey of Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid, following a suit alleging it was built on a former Harihar temple site
Following violent protests on November 24 in Sambhal, western Uttar Pradesh, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident. The violence, which unfolded near the Jama Masjid in Chandausi, resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to numerous others, including over 20 police officers.
The PIL, filed on Thursday by petitioner Anand Prakash Tiwari through his lawyers Imran Ullah and Vineet Vikram, calls for a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the unrest. It urges the court to direct the CBI to identify and ascertain the role of those who organized and led the protests, as well as to examine the possible involvement of the state government and its officials. The petitioner has requested the High Court to direct the CBI to submit its findings within a specific timeframe.
Central to the PIL is a demand for a detailed inquiry into the administrative actions during the violence. It seeks formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a retired High Court judge to investigate the roles of key officials, including the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner, the Sambhal District Magistrate (DM), and the Superintendent of Police (SP). The PIL urges for a direction to the SIT to file its report within a stipulated time.
The PIL also highlights the need for guidelines to define the responsibilities of district authorities during future court-ordered surveys of religious sites.
Notably, the November 24 protests were triggered by a court-directed survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal's Kot Garvi area. The survey, conducted by a court-appointed advocate commissioner, was based on a petition claiming that the mosque was built on the site of a former Harihar temple. The court-ordered exercise sparked tensions, culminating in violent clashes near the mosque. Protesters reportedly confronted authorities, resulting in widespread chaos and fatalities.
In addition to the CBI probe, the PIL requests the formation of a committee comprising central agency officers operating independently of the Uttar Pradesh government. The proposed committee would scrutinize the role of the state administration in the unrest and report its findings to the High Court.
The PIL is yet to be listed.
Case Title: Dr Anand Prakash Tiwari vs. State of UP and Others
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