Police Take Action Against Sambhal Violence Mastermind Sharik Satha, Property Attachment Begins

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: The police have initiated action against Sharik Satha, the alleged mastermind behind the violence at Shahi Jama Masjid on 24 November 2024, as well as a notorious international vehicle thief. On Wednesday, authorities began attaching his movable and immovable properties following a court order.

Flag March and Security Deployment
Prior to the property attachment, a special team had been formed under the SDM’s supervision. To maintain law and order, the police conducted a flag march in the area before proceeding to Satha’s residence in the Nakas police station jurisdiction. A heavy deployment of police personnel, including female officers, was present to ensure smooth execution of the operation. Authorities emphasized that the attachment was carried out strictly in compliance with the district court’s directives.

Background: Sambhal Violence
Sharik Satha was identified as the mastermind of the violence that erupted during an advocate commissioner survey at Shahi Jama Masjid. During the unrest, police and administrative teams faced attacks, including stone-pelting, firing, and arson. Four individuals—Bilal, Naeem, Kaif, and Ayaan—lost their lives due to gunfire, while around three dozen police personnel were injured. Following the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted search operations in the affected areas.

Satha fled abroad after his involvement in the violence was revealed. He is currently evading arrest.

Criminal Record and Charges
Sharik Satha is considered one of the country’s largest vehicle thieves and has 69 criminal cases registered against him, including charges under the Gangster Act, Arms Act, and murder-related cases, as well as cases linked to the Sambhal violence. Police reports indicate that Satha supplied weapons and coordinated local accomplices to incite the violent incident.

With this latest action, authorities have begun targeting his assets as part of ongoing efforts to hold him accountable.