Court Order Exposes Culture of Impunity in Sambhal Police

The Social Democratic Party of India welcomes the order of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Sambhal directing the registration of an FIR against Assistant Superintendent of Police Anuj Chaudhary, formerly Circle Officer, and other police personnel for their alleged role in the fatal shooting during the violence of November 24, 2024.

The incident occurred following a controversial inspection by the Archaeological Survey of India at the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, amid claims regarding the existence of an underlying temple. The violence resulted in at least four deaths, including Alam, the son of petitioner Yameen, who was reportedly shot while selling goods nearby. Dozens of people were injured, and more than 100 arrests were made, with a disproportionate impact on members of the Muslim community.

SDPI strongly condemns the Sambhal police for refusing to comply with the court’s directive on the grounds of a prior internal inquiry that allegedly exonerated the officers, and for expressing their intention to appeal the order. Such defiance reflects a disturbing pattern of impunity and a blatant disregard for judicial authority. This is further evident in the continued provocative actions of district officials, including anti encroachment drives and the imposition of fines on religious sites, in violation of Supreme Court stays on surveys.

SDPI has consistently protested these instances of police excess, including the initial firing on protesters, and has repeatedly called for the intervention of the Supreme Court to prevent communal tension and escalation.

We demand the immediate implementation of the FIR under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to murder and allied offences. Accountability must extend to all those responsible to ensure justice for the victims’ families and to put an end to the misuse of power against minority communities.

Muhammad Elyas Thumbe
National General Secretary
Social Democratic Party of India