Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: A delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP), comprising eleven members, visited Sambhal on Monday to offer condolences and financial aid to the families of victims killed in the recent violence that erupted during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visit to a Mughal-era mosque on November 24. The delegation distributed checks for Rs 5 lakh to each grieving family.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey, who led the delegation, condemned the Uttar Pradesh government's handling of the situation, accusing them of insensitivity towards the Muslim community and fostering communal tensions for political gain. Pandey further questioned the legality of the police constructing a post near the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid, claiming it was built on private land without proper compensation or investigation. He also raised concerns about the construction's proximity to the mosque, a heritage site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Pandey also accused the government of electoral malpractice during the recent November 20 bye-elections, alleging voter intimidation by police officers. He stated that he had records of the polling day to prove his claims. He further criticized the law and order situation in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, citing rising unemployment, inflation, and frequent firing incidents. Pandey stated that the government was diverting public attention with false propaganda instead of addressing these pressing issues.

Sambhal MP, Ziaur Rahman Barq, echoed Pandey's sentiments, accusing the police of acting on unfounded assumptions and failing to register a case for the five victims killed in the violence. Barq expressed confidence in the Indian judicial system, stating that "justice will prevail." He also alleged that he was being personally targeted with a false electricity theft case filed against him. Barq questioned the police's actions, asking if they had found any evidence of firearms with the people involved. Barq questioned why no riots occurred on the first day of the survey if the intent was to incite violence.

SP leader Lal Bihari Yadav questioned the police's handling of the violence, criticizing them for harassing individuals while failing to apprehend those responsible for the five deaths. Yadav defended the actions of the local Muslim community, stating that the stones and bricks thrown were acts of self-defense.

The SP delegation's visit comes amidst heightened tensions in Sambhal, following the violence that erupted during the ASI's survey of the mosque. The incident resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries, with police arresting 50 individuals in connection to the unrest.