UP man seeks ‘guidance’ from Pakistan cleric over Sambhal violence

MEERUT: A local resident of Sambhal was booked for "endangering sovereignty, unity" and "promoting enmity" and arrested on Friday after a video of him purportedly seeking guidance from a Pakistani cleric over the recent violence in the UP city was widely circulated on social media.

Mohd Aquil from Bahjoi "sought guidance" from the cleric who goes by ‘Engineer Mohd Ali Mirza', police sources said. In the video, Aquil (in his early 20s) could be purportedly heard introducing himself to the cleric as a Sambhal resident and blaming police and administration for the Nov 24 violence during the Shahi Jama Masjid survey.

Sambhal ASP (North), Shrish Chandra, said, "Police took cognizance of the video. The man was traced and arrested. He told the cops that he participated in a live online show seeking guidance. He is being further interrogated."

An FIR was subsequently registered against Aquil under BNS sections 152 (endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity) and 196 (promoting enmity).

Chandra added: "Keeping in mind the present situation in Sambhal, such activities can promote enmity, hatred among people and thus disturb peace. Strict actions will be taken against anyone found trying to disturb peace and public harmony."

At least five people died in the Nov 24 violence last year. Several police personnel were injured. Over a 100 suspects have been taken into custody based on photos and video clips of the violent incident. As many as 40 named and 2,750 unknown persons were booked in a total of seven FIRs so far.

An FIR was also registered in Sambhal police station against MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and MLA Iqbal Mahmood's son Suhail Iqbal for "provocative speeches and inciting the public".


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