A forensic team investigating the Sambhal violence site on December 3 made a significant discovery, recovering six empty cartridges marked “Made in Pakistan,” according to the police.
Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Vishnoi informed reporters that, at the request of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the November 24 violence, a forensic team, alongside a municipal team, conducted an investigation at the site on December 3.
“The investigation revealed a shocking discovery: six empty cartridges manufactured at a Pakistani ordnance factory were recovered,” said the district police chief, calling it a “very serious” matter. He assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated.
Forensic team probing #SambhalViolence reportedly found 2 misfired 9 MM cartridges of PAKISTAN Ordnance Factory and 2 shells each of 12 & 32 bore. Clearly proves it was planned vi0£ence!
BUT Pakistani Ammunition? Ri0ters in touch with Pakistan?pic.twitter.com/Rh1qmu2xqW
Initial…
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) December 4, 2024
In addition to the cartridges, the forensic team also reportedly found two misfired 9mm cartridges, as well as two shells each of 12-bore and 32-bore. These findings strongly suggest that the violence was not spontaneous but likely part of a well-planned attack.
The discovery of Pakistani-made ammunition has raised serious questions. Were the rioters in touch with elements across the border? The connection to Pakistan is fueling concerns that the violence may have been orchestrated with foreign support. Meanwhile, the police are also focusing on retrieving footage from CCTV cameras that were damaged during the unrest. “Efforts are underway to recover data from the DVRs (digital video recorders),” said the SP. “The police team will continue conducting searches in the violence-affected area today.”
Tensions have been simmering in Sambhal since November 19, when a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was conducted, following a petition claiming that a Harihar Mandir once stood at the site. The situation escalated on November 24, during a second survey of the mosque, which led to violent clashes between protesters and police. Four people were killed and several others injured, including 29 policemen.
In the aftermath of the violence, initial reports are pointing to the involvement of a local group known as Toti Chor’s Party. Speculation is growing about whether this group could be collaborating with external forces, possibly even Pakistan, to destabilise BJP-led governments. This raises the possibility of a broader, coordinated effort to create unrest in India, as alluded to by the late General Bipin Rawat, who had spoken about a “0.5 front” strategy involving both internal and external actors.
The situation remains under close scrutiny, with authorities working to piece together the full extent of the conspiracy. The investigation continues to unfold as more details emerge.
General Bipin Rawat’s ‘0.5 Front’ Strategy
The late General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, was a vocal advocate of preparing India for evolving security challenges, particularly the rise of hybrid warfare. One of his key strategic concepts was the “0.5 front” strategy, which he introduced to describe the growing complexity of modern conflicts. Unlike traditional wars fought on a single, clear front, the “0.5 front” involved simultaneous threats from both external enemies and internal subversion.
General Rawat warned that adversaries like Pakistan were increasingly using non-traditional methods, such as proxy wars, insurgencies, and cyberattacks, to destabilise nations without engaging in direct military conflict. He emphasised the need for India to be prepared for both conventional military threats and unconventional tactics aimed at sowing discord within the country. Rawat’s foresight into these evolving threats has become more relevant than ever, especially in the context of incidents like the Sambhal violence, which may point to the kind of coordinated, multifaceted attacks he had predicted.
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