No Immediate FIR Against ASP Anuj Chaudhary Despite Court Order, Says Sambhal Police

Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh):
Despite a court directive ordering the registration of an FIR, the Sambhal police administration has indicated that no immediate case will be registered against ASP Anuj Chaudhary and more than 15 other police personnel accused of firing during communal violence linked to the Jama Masjid survey.

Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar stated that a judicial inquiry into the violence has already been completed and found no evidence of police firing. Instead, the inquiry concluded that 29 police personnel were injured due to stone-pelting and gunfire during the unrest. The police administration has decided to challenge the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (CJM) order in the High Court.

Police Deny Use of Firearm Linked to Injury

Addressing the allegations, SP Krishna Kumar told the media that the injured youth had suffered a gunshot wound from a 7.65 mm bullet, a calibre not used by the Uttar Pradesh Police. “This clearly indicates that the bullet was not fired by the police,” he said.

According to the police, the bullet that struck the victim, identified as Alam, was fired by members of the Sharif Satta gang, alleged to be the masterminds behind the violence. Police claim that during the arrest of three gang members, the same calibre weapon and ammunition were recovered, strengthening their version of events.

Petition Filed by Victim’s Father

The controversy stems from a petition filed on February 6, 2025, by Yameen, a resident of Khaggu Sarai Anjuman in the Nakhasa police station area. In his plea before the CJM court, Yameen alleged that his son Alam was shot by police personnel on November 24, 2024, while selling rusks (toast) near the Jama Masjid area.

The petitioner named then Circle Officer (CO) Sambhal Anuj Chaudhary (now ASP), along with Kotwali Inspector Anuj Tomar and other police officials as accused. Acting on the plea, the CJM directed that FIRs be registered against all named officers.

Police Question Presence of Victim at Site

The police administration has questioned the circumstances described in the complaint, stating that on the day of the incident, Section 163 was in force and three-layer security arrangements were deployed around the Jama Masjid. Public movement was restricted and markets were closed.

“In such a scenario, it is difficult to understand how a person carrying a goods-laden cart could reach the restricted area,” the police said, casting doubt on the complainant’s version.

Background of the Violence

The violence erupted on November 24, 2024, during a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid following claims by the Hindu side that the mosque was built after demolishing the Harihar Temple in 1529 during the reign of Babur. The survey had been ordered on November 19, 2024, by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh.

Clashes during the survey resulted in the death of four people and injuries to 29 police personnel. Police registered 12 FIRs, arrested 79 accused, and named 40 individuals, including Samajwadi Party MP Ziaurrahman Barq, along with 2,750 unidentified persons.

On June 18, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a chargesheet against 23 accused, including the MP, while giving a clean chit to Suhail Iqbal, son of SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood.

Legal Battle Likely to Continue

With the police preparing to approach the High Court against the CJM’s order, the case is expected to escalate into a significant legal and political battle, raising serious questions about accountability, use of force, and judicial oversight in cases involving law enforcement agencies.