The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, UP (file photo)
Sambhal: Police in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, displayed posters featuring photos of 74 people they believe were engaged in the violence that broke out there in November.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police Shrish Chandra, the photographs have been put up in various locations throughout the community to help locals identify the suspects and aid law enforcement in their search. According to Chandra, those who provide reliable proof would be given a cash reward
“The posters contain photographs of suspects carrying stone[s] in their hands,” The Indian Express quoted Chandra as saying. “The suspects captured through CCTV footage from drone cameras, closed-circuit television and videos made on mobile phones were directly involved in the violence.”
On November 24, violence erupted in Sambhal as a group of Muslims protested a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi town.
A trial court ordered the survey in a complaint alleging that the mosque was constructed in 1526 by Mughal king Babar on the site of the "centuries-old Shri Hari Har Temple dedicated to Lord Kalki".
Five people were killed in the violence that occurred during the survey, Scroll.in reported.
In December, the district administration announced that posters of persons allegedly involved in the violence will be displayed on public boards. Furthermore, the Uttar Pradesh government stated that anyone involved in the violence would be required to pay for the damage done to public property and have their photos displayed on public walls.
The posters were placed up on Friday hours after unidentified individuals destroyed other posters with photos of one of the alleged perpetrators of the assault.
This prompted the police to tell personnel at their newly established outpost opposite the mosque's main gate to ensure that the fresh posters were not destroyed or torn.
The police have filed eight first information complaints against 150 people and 2,500 unnamed individuals suspected of being involved in the violence. So far, 76 people have been arrested for allegedly throwing stones at police amid the incident. Those arrested have not received bail.