Sambhal violence case: SP MP Zia ur Rehman Barq appears before SIT, cites ill health

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rehman Barq on Tuesday appeared before the Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) at Sambhal police station in connection with the violence that broke out at Shahi Jama Masjid during a court-ordered survey on November 24 last year, which claimed four lives. Barq, who had been summoned by the SIT, chose not to speak to the media upon his arrival at the police station.
Earlier in the day, during a press conference, Barq said he was unwell and had been advised rest by doctors, but still chose to appear before the SIT to ensure that there was no perception of non-cooperation. "Today, I am not feeling well. My doctor has advised me to rest, but despite this, I am going there so that the police administration does not feel that I am not cooperating in the investigation," he said.
On March 26, SIT officials went to Barq’s residence at Western Court in New Delhi and handed him a notice under Section 35(3) for his alleged role in the violence. Confirming the development, Barq told ANI, "I have received the notice given to me under Section 35(3)... Since I am a citizen of this country and also an MP, I have assured the police of full cooperation during the investigation."
The violence in Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid last November led to the death of four individuals and prompted a high-level investigation. At the time, Moradabad Police Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh had confirmed that an FIR had been lodged against Barq and the son of a local MLA for allegedly instigating the unrest. "An investigation is underway in the case. FIRs have been registered. FIR regarding instigation has been registered against Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq and the local MLA's son. Four people have died. The injured are being treated. Strict action will be taken; if needed, NSA will also be imposed," the Commissioner had said.
Calling the incident a targeted move against the Muslim community, Barq said it was a “pre-planned” episode. He alleged that Muslims were being systematically targeted across the country and questioned the need for a second survey of the mosque. "It is so unfortunate; it is a pre-planned incident. Across the country, Muslims are being targeted, and such a bad situation has never happened after independence. The way the Places of Worship Act is being violated. One by one, pleas are being submitted, and a hearing is happening on the same day itself, and the order is also coming; the same day, DM and SP went and conducted the survey. People were stopped from offering Namaz. What was the necessity of a second survey?" he said.