PIL Filed in Allahabad HC Demands CBI Probe into Sambhal Violence, Seeks Investigation of UP Govt Officials’ Role
(Judicial Quest News Network)
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Allahabad High Court, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged involvement of Uttar Pradesh government officials in the violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal on November 24. The petition, submitted by Dr. Anand Prakash Tiwari from Varanasi, calls for a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to determine the causes behind the violence and to hold accountable any administrative negligence or misconduct.
The PIL, filed through advocates Imran Ullah and Vineeth Vikram, seeks the establishment of an SIT led by a retired High Court judge to probe the role of key officials, including the District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), and other local authorities in the incident. The petition highlights concern about the possible failure of local administrative bodies to prevent or address the violence.
The PIL also urges the Allahabad High Court to direct the formation of guidelines for district authorities involved in religious monument surveys ordered by the court, particularly in light of the violence that erupted during a survey of the Mughal era Mosque in Sambhal, following an order from the local Civil Judge, Aditya Singh.
The violence, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, was triggered by protests against the survey of the Jama Masjid, where demonstrators clashed with police forces. Protesters set vehicles on fire and pelted stones at officers, while security personnel used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the mob. The petitioners are seeking a detailed report from the investigating agencies within a specified time frame as determined by the court.
