Sambhal violence: Police officer cross-examined

Former Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary on Saturday told a court here that the police did not open fire during the violent protests against the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in November 2024, an advocate said.

Chaudhary, now posted as an Additional Superintendent of Police, was cross-examined through video conferencing before District Judge Vidushi Singh in Chandausi in connection with the killing of a person, identified as Bilal, during the November 24, 2024, violence.

In 2024, a local court had ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on a suit by a Hindu devotee alleging that it was built at the site of an ancient Harihar temple.

During the second round of the survey, a group of people who were opposing the survey turned violent and clashed with security personnel, which led to the death of four people and injuries to dozens. Twelve FIRs were registered in connection with the violence.

District Government Counsel (Criminal) Rahul Dixit said the testimony proceeded smoothly and Chaudhary “answered questions factually on the basis of events he had witnessed”. He said the court objected to some “irrelevant” questions posed by the defence.

During the proceedings, around 125 to 150 questions were asked to Chaudhary, who stated that the police did not open fire during the violence.

He said the police personnel were equipped with shotguns and rubber bullets, while he himself carried a 9 mm pistol and the accompanying personnel had AK-47 rifles and shotguns.

He also asserted that the deaths were not caused by police firing.

Defence counsel Mohammad Asif Akhtar, however, alleged that all four deaths occurred due to police firing.

The cross-examination began at 11 am and continued till around 1 pm.

Mulla Afroz and Ghulam are among the accused in the case and are currently lodged in jail.