FIR names Sambhal MP, MLA’s son for ‘instigating mob violence’ | India News – Times of India

SAMBHAL: The FIR filed by the UP police names the Samajwadi Party Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq and MLA Iqbal Mahmood’s son Sohail Mahmood for sedition mob violence in town on Sunday. The clashes, which broke out during a court order Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation into Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid left five dead and several injured, including 20 police personnel.
The FIR, filed by Sub-Inspector Deepak Rathi, names Barq as “Accused No. 1” and Mahmood as “Accused No. 2”, along with six more named persons and 700 to 800 unidentified persons. The report states that Barq “visited the mosque without permission in the days before the violence, made provocative speeches and incited the crowd through WhatsApp groups.” Mahmood is accused of encouraging the crowd by saying: “Barq is with us… fulfill your intentions.”
The report adds that the crowd attacked police with batons, hockey sticks and firearms, pistols, tear gas canisters and looted magazines. Shooting continued during the clashes, with the crowd reportedly aiming to disrupt the investigation and harm officers. Circle officer Anuj Chaudhary, injured in the violence, said the mob’s intention was “to prevent the court-ordered investigation”.
The FIR also accuses lawyer Zafar Ali, who is part of the mosque’s management committee, of leaking information about the second investigation to the accused lawmakers, which allegedly contributed to their preparations for resistance.