The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday dispelled rumors regarding a possible reinvestigation into the 1978 communal riots in Sambhal, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi stated, “There is misleading information circulating on social media and other platforms suggesting that a new investigation into the 1978 communal riots in Sambhal is being launched. However, no such action is occurring.”
He explained that “MLC Shreesh Chandra Sharma submitted a letter under Rule 115 on December 17, seeking information about the 1978 riots. In response, the government requested details on the matter.” Bishnoi mentioned that the relevant information is currently being gathered and will be forwarded to the government once the compilation is complete.
This police clarification follows widespread speculation regarding a potential new inquiry into the long-standing riots. Tensions have been escalating in Sambhal since the violence on November 24, which erupted during a court-mandated survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries.
Regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Sambhal’s Jama Masjid, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on December 16, highlighted the 1978 Sambhal riots as a critique of the Opposition, stating that the violence revealed their “true nature.” He questioned why those responsible for the Sambhal massacre have not yet faced justice.
The Sambhal police said that 162 cases were registered at the Kotwali police station in connection with the riots. Among these, one case involving multiple fatalities was assigned to the UP Police’s Crime Branch CID for further investigation, while the other cases were addressed by local police. Reports indicate that a majority of the accused in these cases were Muslims.
Furthermore, it was noted that the government began collecting details regarding the 1978 riots after MLC Shrichand Sharma requested information on the matter. This prompted Deputy Secretary (Home) Satendra Pratap Singh to send a letter to Sambhal officials instructing them to take “appropriate action.” This information was confirmed by a senior official stationed in Sambhal.