New Delhi

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday welcomed the judicial panel report on the 2024 Sambhal violence and demanded stringent punishment for those named in it, alleging that the riots were part of a pre-planned conspiracy to obstruct a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.

The judicial commission constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government has concluded that the November 2024 violence in Sambhal was orchestrated by Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq; Sohail Iqbal, son of Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood; Jama Masjid Intazamia Committee president Zafar Ali; advocates Qasim Ali and Mashhood Ali Farooqui; Laddan Khan and other members of the mosque management committee.

The 370-page report was tabled in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday.

In a video statement, VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain said, "The commission has established that the violence was not a sudden incident but a well-planned conspiracy. Those involved, irrespective of how influential they are, should be arrested immediately and awarded exemplary punishment so that such incidents are never repeated in Uttar Pradesh."

Jain alleged that the "conspirators, for their selfish interests, pushed the country into the flames of riots".

"They also lead the Muslim community on a suicidal path, incite them, and bring them onto the streets," he said.

Violence broke out in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, during the second phase of a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid following a petition claiming that the mosque had been built at the site of an ancient Harihar temple.

Four persons were killed, dozens were injured, with 12 FIRs registered in connection with the incident.

The VHP leader claimed the violence was orchestrated to stop the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid and alleged that false messages were circulated through WhatsApp and social media, while a Friday sermon by Barq also played a role in inciting the crowd.

He also claimed the report documented Sambhal's history of communal riots, attacks on Hindus, encroachment on temples and forced migration of Hindus from the area, alleging that such incidents reflect a pattern.

"Sambhal has a long history of communal riots, attacks on Hindus, encroachments upon temples, construction of mosques over temples and forced migration of Hindus. The report has documented this history as well," he alleged.

Jain further alleged that the conspiracy had objectives beyond stopping the survey, including exploiting local rivalries and political grievances.

The VHP also demanded action against political leaders who allegedly protected those accused in the case and urged the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

"The politicians who shelter these conspirators should also be exposed. The Uttar Pradesh government must arrest all those named without delay, ensure the harshest possible punishment and create such a deterrent that no one dares to plan riots in the future and no political leader dares to provide them protection," Jain said.

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Jain further said the police and administrative officials who prevented the conspiracy from escalating should be commended.