Sambhal violence: House of absconding ‘mastermind’ Sharik Satha attached by UP police

SAMBHAL: Uttar Pradesh Police and district administration on Wednesday attached the property of Sharik Satha, identified by investigators as the alleged mastermind of the November 2024 Sambhal violence, acting on court orders. A heavy police contingent along with revenue department teams was deployed at the four-storey building, located in one of the city’s most expensive localities, to carry out the attachment. Tehsildar Dhirendra Kumar said the action was being taken strictly in accordance with court directions and clarified that only the portion of the property owned by the absconding accused would be attached. The move is linked to the violent clashes that broke out on November 19, 2024, during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district. The survey, ordered as part of legal proceedings following a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, aimed to determine whether the mosque stood on the site of a former temple. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh had earlier said the survey was conducted between 7 am and 11 am under adequate police deployment and initially remained peaceful. However, stone-pelting began during the process, prompting police intervention. The situation escalated when a larger mob, estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 people, gathered and resumed attacks on security personnel. The clashes left three people dead and nearly two dozen injured, including policemen and senior officials. Police were forced to use tear gas and repeatedly appeal to the crowd to restore order. Officials said the attachment of Sharik Satha’s property is part of ongoing efforts to fix accountability for the violence and maintain law and order, stressing that all actions are being undertaken in compliance with judicial directions and established legal procedures.