Sambhal- Following Sunday's violent riots in Sambhal, where four people died and numerous others were injured, the Uttar Pradesh administration released photographs of several individuals allegedly involved in the violence. The photos, released on Wednesday, identify three women accused of aiding stone-pelters during the confrontation between protestors and police.

The violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid, a 16th-century Mughal-era mosque in Muradabad’s Sambhal. The survey was mandated by the court following petitions claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. Protests against the survey escalated into a full-blown riot, with protestors reportedly attacking police and the survey team. Police retaliated, leading to the deaths of four youths and injuries to over a dozen police officers.

According to police sources, investigations are revealing a pre-planned attack orchestrated with the support of influential individuals. One accused allegedly confessed to being instructed to hurl stones at police from rooftops alongside other women accomplices. The violent crowd torched many vehicles including those of the police, resulting in retaliatory action by the cops.

The Uttar Pradesh government is considering strict action against those responsible for the violence and destruction of public property in Kot Garvi, the area surrounding the mosque. Authorities have arrested 27 individuals and identified over 100 others accused of pelting stones at police.

Among those arrested are Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, son of MLA Iqbal Mehmood, both from the Samajwadi Party (SP). The SP lawmakers have been accused of complicity in the riots, sparking a war of words between Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the SP, and the ruling BJP. Yadav has placed the blame on the state administration and police, while the BJP has accused the SP lawmakers of inciting the mob.

A Magisterial enquiry is currently underway, with authorities analyzing footage from CCTVs and drones to identify further perpetrators.