A three-member judicial commission investigating the violence that erupted during the survey of Jama Masjid on November 24 visited the affected areas on Sunday.
One of the members of the commission, former DGP A.K. Jain, said Commission conducted an extensive inspection of the Jama Masjid and nearby areas where clashes and stone-pelting occurred.
The violence had resulted in the deaths of five people and injuries to 19 police personnel.
The judicial commission has been tasked with uncovering the root causes of the incident, and Jain confirmed that the probe will continue for the next two months. "The investigation will delve deeply into all aspects of the violence to ensure justice," Jain stated.
The commission began its inspection at Jama Masjid, where it examined the premises, both inside and outside, for about three minutes. Superintendent of Police Krishna Vishnoi briefed the team, explaining that a dispute over the court-ordered survey spiraled into chaos, with a crowd near the mosque resorting to stone-pelting. The situation escalated, leading to widespread unrest.
During the violence, several vehicles were set ablaze, and police personnel came under attack. The commission closely examined the mosque's interior and identified key locations associated with the unrest. The team also interacted with local residents and shopkeepers, who recounted how they were forced to shut their establishments and flee during the clashes.
After inspecting Jama Masjid, the commission moved to Nakhasa Chauraha, another hotspot of violence. The team studied the area and gathered inputs from officials about the events of the day. SP Vishnoi briefed the commission about the origins of the stone-pelting, identifying specific homes from where stones were allegedly hurled, and detailed the administration's efforts to bring the situation under control.
The judicial commission has been directed to submit its findings within two months. On Saturday, the commission members met with senior officials, including Moradabad Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh, DIG Muniraj G., and SSP Satpal Antil, at the Moradabad Circuit House. The officials provided a detailed account of the incident.
The violence has stirred significant political controversy, with opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, raising the issue vocally. The matter also triggered uproar in Parliament, adding to the pressure on authorities to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation.
The commission’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in addressing public concerns and restoring communal harmony in the region.
