The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the deadly Sambhal violence has intensified its legal pursuit of the main accused, registering a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against absconding gangster Shariq Satha. The latest case was filed at the Nakhasa police station in Meerut on charges of failing to appear in court despite judicial orders.
Legal Action for Court Non-Appearance
Officials confirmed that the new FIR was lodged under Section 209 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to non-appearance. This legal step follows a series of court directives that Satha has allegedly ignored. The Chief Judicial Magistrate's court had issued a non-bailable warrant against him on October 28 last year. Subsequently, a proclamation notice was served on November 27, granting him a final one-month window to present himself before the court, which he failed to do.
Sanjeev Baliyan, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Nakhasa police station, stated that the FIR was registered based on a formal complaint from the SIT in-charge. He further revealed that this marks the third such report filed against Satha, with two similar cases already on record. In a significant escalation, the police have now initiated proceedings to attach Satha's properties under BNS Section 85, a move aimed at tightening the noose around the fugitive.
The Roots of the Case: Sambhal Violence
The core case stems from the violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal on November 24, 2024. The unrest occurred during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Investigators allege that Shariq Satha masterminded the conspiracy from abroad, directing his local aides to execute the plan. According to the SIT probe, Satha instructed his associates—Ghulam, Waris, and Mulla Afroz—to open fire on the crowd using foreign-made weapons.
The violence resulted in a tragic loss of life, with five people killed. In its immediate aftermath, authorities registered four separate FIRs under BNS Section 103 for murder. The SIT's subsequent investigation conclusively established the involvement of the three named aides. All three were arrested and are currently incarcerated. The state has invoked the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against Mulla Afroz, and similar action is under active consideration for Ghulam and Waris.
Ongoing Manhunt and Implications
The repeated filing of FIRs underscores the authorities' determination to bring Satha to justice and highlights the challenges in apprehending an accused believed to be operating from overseas. Each legal step, from non-bailable warrants to property attachment proceedings, adds pressure and builds a stronger legal framework for his eventual prosecution. The case continues to be a focal point for law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the serious nature of crimes linked to communal violence and organized crime.
The SIT's persistent efforts signal a clear message that individuals accused of orchestrating violence from remote locations will be pursued relentlessly through all available legal channels. The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it has significant implications for law and order and the judicial process in the region.
