"Sambhal incident happened because of Opposition": Union Minister Giriraj Singh
Nov 25, 2024
New Delhi [India], November 25 : Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday criticised the Opposition over the violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, blaming them for instigating the incident.
He further alleged that the Opposition aimed to create unrest in the country and turn Sambhal into a situation resembling Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters, Singh said, "This incident happened because of the Opposition. It is a pre-planned strategy, akin to the Godhra incident. This was not just an attack on the survey team but an attack on the Constitution of India and democracy. They want to burn the country... they want to turn Sambhal into Bangladesh."
He added, "Those who died were shot by the attackers, not the police. This is evident from the post-mortem report. The country will not tolerate this."
Violence erupted on Sunday during an ASI survey at a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal. Following the incident, the district administration imposed restrictions on outsiders, social organisations, and public representatives from entering Sambhal without prior authorisation.
Moradabad Police Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed that the accused in the Sambhal incident include Zia Ur Rehman Barq, a Samajwadi Party (SP) MP, and his son.
He assured the public that the situation is under control and an investigation is in progress.
"The situation in Sambhal is peaceful. An investigation is underway. FIRs have been registered, including one for instigation against Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq and the local MLA's son. Four people have died, and the injured are receiving treatment. Strict action will be taken, and, if necessary, NSA will be imposed," the senior police official stated.
Meanwhile, Zia Ur Rehman Barq denied the allegations and accused the Uttar Pradesh police administration of conspiring against him. He claimed the case filed against him was baseless, as he was not in the state when the violence occurred.
"The incident orchestrated by the police administration in Sambhal has shaken humanity and tarnished the image of the state and the country. I was not even in Uttar Pradesh at the time. I had travelled to Bengaluru to attend a meeting of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Despite this, a case was filed against me," he told ANI.
