Sambhal Violence Case: Will FIR Be Filed Against ASP Anuj Chaudhary? Legal Experts Weigh In

Sambhal: The controversy surrounding the Sambhal violence that occurred two years ago has resurfaced. The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court recently ordered an FIR to be filed against 20 police officers, including then-ASP Anuj Chaudhary. Despite the court order, SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi has stated that no case will be registered, citing that a judicial inquiry into the Sambhal violence has already been conducted. He also mentioned plans to appeal the order in the High Court.

This is not the first instance of the Sambhal police refusing to comply with magistrate directives. In December last year, the police declined to register cases against an SHO and 12 other officers accused of falsely implicating a person in a robbery. That order was similarly issued by CJM Sudhir.

Legal Experts Criticize Police Decision

Several lawyers have condemned the Sambhal police’s decision, calling it a blatant contempt of court. Senior Advocate Yadavendra Krishna of the Allahabad High Court said, “This constitutes contempt of court. No police officer has the right to reject or publicly question a magistrate’s order. Even if the accused wants to challenge the order, it can only be done after the FIR is filed.”

Supreme Court Advocate Bhuvan Raj added that police officials are legally bound to comply with judicial directives. “The police have the right to challenge the order in the High Court, but until the FIR is quashed, it must be executed,” he said.

Case Originated from Yamin’s Complaint

The case traces back to a complaint filed by Yamin, a resident of Khaggu Sarai Anjuman area. He alleged that during a mosque survey, his son Alam was shot near the mosque. Yamin told the court that his son had stepped out to sell food when he was shot.

The latest judicial directive has reignited debates on accountability, with legal experts emphasizing that the rule of law must be upheld, regardless of rank or position in the police force.