Sambhal Court Directs FIR Registration in Police Firing Incident
A district court in Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step in the 2024 Sambhal violence case. The court has ordered the registration of a First Information Report and a thorough investigation into allegations that police firing injured a young man during the clashes.
Victim's Father Approaches Court After Delay
Mohammad Yamin, the complainant in this case, approached the court seeking justice for his son. He stated that his 23-year-old son, Mohammad Alam, sustained three bullet injuries during the violence that erupted near Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024.
Yamin explained that fear prevented him from filing a complaint earlier. He claimed that after the incident, he struggled to find medical treatment for his son, facing rejection from multiple hospitals in Sambhal, Moradabad, and Aligarh before finally securing admission in Meerut by concealing their address.
Court Finds Medical Evidence Compelling
The court carefully examined the medical documents presented in the case. These records showed Alam suffered two bullet wounds to his back and one to his hand, along with a fractured bone in his hand. The medical papers specifically mentioned "police firing in a riot" in relation to the gunshot wounds.
"Medical documents clearly show Alam suffered two bullet injuries to his back and one bullet injury to his hand," the court noted in its order. "They further indicate a fracture to a bone in his hand, with relevant medical papers and X-ray reports placed on record."
Police Version Faces Scrutiny
Police authorities have strongly denied the allegations. They presented a forensic report stating that the bullet removed from Alam's body was of 7.65 mm caliber, which they claim is not used by police forces. Authorities also mentioned that Alam is wanted in one of the violence-related cases and his name emerged during their investigation.
However, the court found inconsistencies in the police version. "The report submitted by the police also raises suspicion," the court observed. "These statements appear to be inconsistent with the medical reports and the circumstances of the incident, thereby casting doubt on the police version."
Court Orders Immediate Action
After hearing Yamin's plea under Section 173(4) of the BNSS, the court determined that the material on record disclosed the commission of a cognizable offense. The court emphasized the need for a proper investigation to establish the true facts of the case.
"At the prima facie stage, the material on record discloses the commission of a cognizable offense," the court stated. "Accordingly, in view of the relevant legal provisions and facts and circumstances of the case, it appears necessary and just that an investigation be ordered."
The court directed the Station House Officer of Sambhal to register a case and conduct a thorough investigation according to law. The details of the case registration must be presented to the court within seven days.
State Plans to Challenge Order
Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar confirmed that authorities will appeal the district court's order in the High Court. This sets the stage for further legal proceedings in this sensitive case.
Background of the Violence
The violence erupted during protests against a court-ordered survey of the 16th-century Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. A large crowd clashed with police personnel, resulting in four fatalities and injuries to several people, including police officers.
According to the court order, Yamin claimed that on the morning of November 24, his son Alam, a street vendor selling biscuits, was near the Jama Masjid when he noticed a large gathering. As Alam approached the spot, the then Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary, then inspector Anuj Kumar Tomar, and 15-20 other police personnel allegedly opened fire on the crowd.
Yamin stated that Alam abandoned his handcart and tried to flee but was hit by two bullets. Some people at the scene rescued his son, beginning the difficult journey for medical treatment that followed.
Complainant's Efforts Before Approaching Court
Before seeking the court's intervention, Yamin said he submitted written complaints to multiple authorities including the Sambhal Superintendent of Police, District Magistrate, Deputy Inspector General of Police in Moradabad, and the Director General of Police in Lucknow. When no FIR was registered through these channels, he approached the court for directions.
The court's order now puts the spotlight back on the November 2024 violence and raises important questions about police accountability and judicial oversight in such incidents.
