The Uttar Pradesh government announced on Wednesday that individuals involved in the recent violence in Sambhal will be held accountable for damages to public property, with their posters prominently displayed in public areas.

“This measure aims to identify and apprehend those responsible for the unrest, which claimed four lives and left several, including police personnel, injured,” a senior official said.

The violence erupted on Sunday in Sambhal’s Kot Garvi area during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey was initiated following a petition alleging that a Harihar temple once existed at the site. The situation escalated when a large crowd gathered near the mosque, chanting slogans and clashing with security personnel. Protesters set vehicles on fire and pelted stones, leading to widespread chaos.

“The UP government is adopting a firm stance against individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest,” said an official spokesperson. The crackdown mirrors a similar initiative during the 2020 anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, where posters of alleged vandals were displayed across various cities, including Lucknow. However, the move had drawn criticism and was later withdrawn following a court directive.

In the aftermath of the Sambhal violence, police have arrested 25 individuals and filed seven FIRs, including one against Samajwadi Party (SP) Member Parliament (MP) Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood. Charges have also been filed against over 2,750 unidentified individuals.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi confirmed that the situation is now under control. “A magisterial inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest,” he stated.

Meanwhile, a copy of the FIR registered in connection with the Sambhal violence has revealed explosive details, naming Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq as the main accused and SP MLA’s son Suhail Iqbal as the second accused. In addition, a case has been lodged against 2,750 people, highlighting the scale of the unrest.

The FIR alleges that SP MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq incited the crowd to vitiate the communal atmosphere and gain political advantage. It also notes that Barq visited the Jama Masjid two days before the violence without administrative permission, which reportedly added fuel to the brewing tensions. The unrest began when a large crowd gathered at the Jama Masjid during the survey. Despite police efforts to pacify the situation, the mob refused to disperse and allegedly sought to disrupt the process.

Sub-inspector Nishant Malik and his team rushed to Nakhasa intersection, where the mob had gathered. Around 12:35 pm, the situation escalated as the mob attacked the police. Armed with sticks and bricks, they vandalized CCTV cameras, set a government motorcycle and a private Bullet bike on fire, and even attempted to snatch pistols from the police.

The FIR mentions that while Sub-inspector Malik managed to secure his weapon, the mob looted its magazine along with ten 9mm bullets. The FIR further states that voices from the crowd shouted slogans such as, “We will not allow the survey in the mosque. Snatch their weapons, set them on fire, and kill them. No one should escape.”