Is UP Govt Reopening 1978 Sambhal Violence Case? Here's What Police Say

The Uttar Pradesh Police Thursday rejected reports that the 1978 communal riots in Sambhal, which claimed several lives, will be reinvestigated.

"A misleading piece of information is being spread through social media and other platforms that a reinvestigation into the 1978 communal riots in Sambhal is being initiated. However, no such development is taking place," PTI quoted Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi as saying.

SP Bishnoi explained that MLC Shreesh Chandra Sharma had submitted a request under Rule 115 on December 17, seeking details about the 1978 riots. Following this, the government asked for related information, which is now being compiled and will be sent to the authorities soon.

The police's clarification comes amidst growing speculation about a new probe into the decades-old riots, fueled by recent tensions in the region.

Historical Context of 1978 Riots

The 1978 violence erupted on March 29 when a man from the Hindu community reportedly killed a cleric inside the Jama Masjid. The assailant was subsequently attacked by the crowd, but tensions quickly escalated, engulfing the district. The unrest had been brewing for a month, with the Janata Party government, led by Chief Minister Naresh Yadav, overseeing the state at the time.

2024 Unrest in Sambhal

The region has been on edge following violence on November 24, 2024, during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area. The survey was initiated based on claims that a Harihar temple once stood on the site of the mosque, allegedly constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing a temple.

Protests against the survey led to clashes, stone pelting, and arson, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including police personnel. Authorities have denied firing at the protesters.

The mosque committee has since approached the Supreme Court, which has stayed proceedings in the lower court.