Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, along with dozens of party leaders, attempted to visit Sambhal on Monday but was stopped by the police at the gate of the Congress office. Party workers, protesting against the police and administration, raised slogans and created a commotion. Two companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were also deployed to manage the situation.
Tensions escalated as a minor scuffle broke out between Congress workers and the police. Ajay Rai sat on a dharna at the spot, demanding the lifting of restrictions. Addressing the media, Rai said, “Whenever the restrictions are removed, a Congress delegation will definitely visit Sambhal. We will investigate the situation independently and expose how the police and administration are presenting false investigation reports.”
The Uttar Pradesh Police issued a notice to Rai, citing a district magistrate order under Section 163 BNSS, which restricts entry to the area until December 10 to maintain public order. The notice urged Rai to "cooperate in the public interest" and postpone his visit to prevent any violation of the restriction.
The Congress leadership had meticulously planned the visit. Senior party leaders spent Sunday night at the Congress office, and leaders from various parts of the state had arrived in Lucknow by Sunday evening to join the Monday morning convoy. Before setting out, Ajay Rai paid tribute at the Gandhi statue at the Congress office. However, the police intervened as soon as they attempted to leave.
The administration has imposed restrictions on visiting Sambhal until December 10 following recent violence during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24. Earlier, Samajwadi Party leaders, including the Leader of the Legislative Assembly and State President, were also barred from entering Sambhal. Even MPs like Iqra Hasan were denied entry.
Congress planned the visit to meet the families of those affected by the violence. However, police had cordoned off the roads leading to the Congress office early Monday morning to prevent any movement.
Congress leader Sachin Chaudhary also voiced his frustration, alleging police intimidation. "They are stopping us from visiting Sambhal. Is not it shameful that we cannot even check on the well-being of victims? We demand a CBI inquiry into the matter," Chaudhary said adding that police had been stationed outside his residence since morning.
Meanwhile, a three-member judicial commission investigating the November 24 violence has started its probe. The commission, led by retired High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora, visited Sambhal on Sunday, along with member and former DGP AK Jain. Another member, retired Additional Chief Secretary Amit Mohan, could not join the visit.
The team inspected areas around the Shahi Jama Masjid and interacted with members of the mosque committee. Moradabad Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh stated that evidence is being collected against those responsible for the violence, and 400 individuals have been identified so far. Police Superintendent KK Vishnoi briefed the commission on the sequence of events and took them to key locations, including Nakhasa Tiraha and Hindupara Kheda. Officials demonstrated the routes taken by the crowd during the unrest.
The inquiry team has pledged to ensure accountability for the violence and to address the grievances of the affected families.
