Sambhal clash: SIT serves notice at midnight to MP Barq in Delhi

Bareilly: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Nov 24 violence in Sambhal, served a notice to Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rahman Barq at his Delhi residence around midnight on Tuesday. Barq has been asked to appear before SIT by April 8 to record his statement in connection with the case.
Officials said the SIT initially sought to serve the notice at Barq's residence in Sambhal, but upon learning that he and his family were in Delhi, a team was dispatched to the Western Court MP Hostel, where the notice was handed over. Sambhal SP Krishan Bishnoi said, "The notice, issued under BNSS section 35A, requires the MP to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the SIT by April 8."
Barq confirmed that he had been informed by the police about the investigation and assured full cooperation, saying, "I am a citizen of this country and a member of Parliament. I trust the law of the nation, I respect the Constitution and I have full faith in the judiciary." He dismissed the allegations levelled against him as "baseless".
It may be noted that Barq had on Monday criticised the arrest of Zafar Ali, president of the Sambhal Jama Masjid Committee, alleging mistreatment in jail. He also condemned Ali's detention during Ramzan, calling it "unjust", saying his "only crime was exposing the police for firing shots."
Barq, SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood's son Suhail Iqbal and others were named in an FIR filed in connection with the violence after a local court passed an ex-parte order for a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid by an advocate commissioner. The survey followed a plea from the Hindu side, which claimed the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing a temple. The riots led to the death of at least five people and left 19 police personnel injured.
Authorities accused Barq of delivering inflammatory speeches, while Suhail Iqbal is alleged to have incited the unrest. Advocate Zafar Ali faces charges of conspiring to instigate violence and making false statements.
While Allahabad high court had earlier stayed Barq's arrest, the investigation continued under judicial oversight. "Legal proceedings are underway as per the court's directives," said Bishnoi.