Sambhal violence Protesters to pay for damage to property posters of 'stone pelters' to be put up

    Lucknow, Nov 27 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government will make protesters involved in the Sambhal violence pay for damage to public property while posters of "stone pelters" will be displayed at public places, an official said on Wednesday.
    Sambal police has released several pictures of those involved in violence.
    In these photographs, nine persons were identified and help is sought from people to identify those who have masks on their faces.
    Four people died and several others, including police personnel, were injured in Sambhal on Sunday after a confrontation erupted over a court-ordered survey of the city's Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi area, following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site.
    "The Uttar Pradesh government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest," an official spokesperson said.
    Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said an estimate of losses to public property is being prepared.
    "Stones were pelted on mosque also. Police vehicles, transformer, electric wires were damaged. Department concerned will prepare the estimates," the SP said.
    Uttar Pradesh ministers Dharmaveer Prajapati and Narendra Kahsyap both reiterated that loss of public property will be realised from rioters and strict action will be taken against them.
    In a similar initiative, the government had previously put up posters of individuals linked with vandalism during the anti-CAA protests in 2020. These posters were displayed across several locations, including the state capital, but were later removed following a court order.
    So far, police have arrested 25 individuals and registered seven FIRs, which include charges against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Sohail Iqbal, son of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, and over 2,750 unidentified suspects.
    A magisterial probe is underway, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was now under control. He assured that "strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest."

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)