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The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has announced plans to hold those responsible for the violence in Sambhal accountable by requiring them to compensate for damages to public property.
Additionally, posters featuring individuals involved in stone-pelting will be put up at public locations, an official confirmed to PTI on Wednesday (27 November).
The violence in Sambhal occurred on 24 November when a large crowd opposed a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot West area of the UP district.
This survey was triggered by a petition claiming the mosque was originally the site of a Hindu temple, the Harihar temple. The unrest led to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including police personnel.
A government spokesperson stated that the authorities would take a strong stance against the perpetrators. “Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly,” he added.
The claim aligns with remarks earlier made by Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi. Police used drone cameras and the available CCTV footage of the area to trace the accused.Â
“Recovery of cost of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest,” the spokesperson added as 27 people have been arrested till now
This move follows a similar approach taken by the government during the anti-CAA protests in 2020, when posters of those allegedly involved in vandalism were displayed throughout the state.
However, these posters were later removed after a court ruling. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is known for tough stance against rioters which has led to reduced number of riots under his rule.