Sambhal Jama Masjid violence: UP Police issues notice to SP MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq: ‘Assured cops of full cooperation’

The Uttar Pradesh police has served a notice to Sambhal MP Zia ur Rehman Barq over 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 last year.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Uttar Pradesh arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to hand over the notice to the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal.

According to a report by ANI, Zia ur Rehman Barq confirmed to the news agency about the matter, adding that he had received the notice under Section 35(3).

He said that as an MP, he will cooperate with the authorities in the investigation of the Sambhal violence.

The SIT reached the MP's hostel at Western Court. There, it handed over the notice to Barq.

“I have received the notice given to me under Section 35(3)... Since I am a citizen of this country and also an MP, I have assured the police of full cooperation during the investigation,” Zia ur Rehman Barq was quoted as saying by ANI.

Shahi Jama Masjid violence in Sambhal

Violence broke out in Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 last year. The incident killed as many as four people with protestors clashing with police, and throwing stones and setting vehicles on fire.

Police sought to use tear gas to disperse the crowd in an attempt to retaliate.

Moradabad Police Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh had at that time informed about the FIR filed against Zia ur Rehman Barq and a son of a local MLA for their alleged involvement in the Sambhal violence.

'An investigation is underway. FIRs have been registered. FIR regarding instigation has been registered against Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq and local MLA's son. 4 people have died. The injured are being treated. Strict action will be taken, if needed NSA will also be imposed," he had said.

In another joint press conference, Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi informed that a complaint had been filed against 800 people after the violence, with Barq being made one of the accused.

While the police had filed an FIR against Zia ur Rehman Barq, the Sambhal MP called it a ‘pre-planned’ incident.