Sambhal riots: ‘Key accused’ Samajwadi Party MP Zia-Ur Rahman Barq to be called for questioning

BAREILLY: After arrest of the head of Jama Masjid committee, Zafar Ali, in the Sambhal violence case, the noose may also tighten around Samajwadi Party MP Zia-Ur Rahman Barq who was earlier named as a "key accused" in one of the FIRs.
Police said on Monday that a notice under Section 41(A) will be soon issued to the Sambhal MP to appear for questioning. They added that a case was registered on Nov 24 of last year in connection with the violence that erupted during a court-directed survey of the Mughal-era mosque, which left five people dead and several cops injured.
Sambhal SP, Krishan Kumar Bishnoi, said, "Since the MP is a named accused, questioning him will be required. The investigating officer will issue a notice under section 41(A) - a necessary procedure as per the law. We are taking every action as per the guidelines of the high court."
Bishnoi added that the case was registered in connection with the violence reported during the Shahi Jama Mosque survey on Nov 24. "It is crucial to find out from the MP with whom he communicated before and after the violence. His statements and the affidavit submitted in court will also be examined," he further said.
When queried about the possibility of arrest, Bishnoi said it would depend on IO's discretion.
"Questioning the MP about his communications is essential for this case. He will be summoned for the offence under the sections he is charged with in the FIR," added circle officer and the SIT in-charge Kuldeep Kumar.
Under Section 41(A), a police officer can issue a notice to an individual, requesting appearance at the police station or another location if it is believed that the person may have information related to the case or may be connected to it. But, an arrest is not deemed necessary.
Zia-Ur Rahman Barq -- a first time MP and also grandson of veteran politician Shafiqur Rahman Barq -- and a local MLA's son, Sohail Mahmood, were among the accused in the FIR. A long list of BNS sections were registered against them.
The sections included were 191-2 (unlawful assembly), 191-3 (rioting with deadly weapons), 190 (offences committed in furtherance of common object by members of unlawful assembly), 221 (obstructing a public servant in the performance of their duties), 132 (using criminal force against a public servant), 125 (acts endangering the life or personal safety of others through rash or negligent actions), 324-5 (mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of one lakh rupees or upwards), 196 (acts that promote enmity or disharmony between different groups based on religion, race, etc.), 223-B (disobedience to orders given by public servants) and 326-F (mischief by causing harm).
Barq filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court to quash the case registered against him. The court had granted him "temporary relief against arrest".
Meanwhile, a team of PWD officials visited the MP's house on Monday and measured the entire house with a measurement tape. The house was built allegedly without an approved map, which is why a case was lodged in the court of the local SDM, an administration official explained.
Notably, at least 79 people were arrested in multiple FIRs following the Nov 24 violence in the UP town and all of them are currently in jail.
Sambhal has been regarded by many as the place where the 10th avatar of Vishnu -- Kalki -- will be born. The mosque has been at the centre of a major row after a petition claimed that it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple before it was "razed".