On April 8, Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq was grilled for nearly three hours by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The interrogation has opened a Pandora’s box of alleged political-religious coordination, digital mobilisation, and possible conspiracy behind the deadly riots that left 4 to 5 people dead, and several injured, including police personnel.
The riot, which erupted during an official survey of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, saw a sudden and violent mob assault involving heavy stone pelting and firing, reportedly triggered by religious misinformation and political provocation. The probe has now intensified with the SP MP himself under the scanner, as investigators gather damning circumstantial and digital evidence.
According to SIT sources, the trail of evidence tightened around the MP after Zafar Ali, the arrested head of the Jama Masjid Committee, named Barq as a key conspirator during his own interrogation. Zafar revealed that he had spoken to Barq thrice on the night of November 23, just hours before violence broke out.
Barq’s arrival at Nakhasa Police Station on April 8 with an entourage of 10 lawyers signaled the high-stakes nature of the questioning.
SIT officers privy to the interrogation told media outlets that the MP appeared visibly uncomfortable and struggled to give direct answers to several of the key questions. Though Barq maintained that he was not aware of the survey and denied any wrongdoing, his inability to clearly explain the phone calls with Zafar Ali raised further suspicion.
“We asked him why a crowd of 700–800 people suddenly gathered at the survey site. The FIR clearly mentions that one Suhail Iqbal told the mob ‘MP Barq is with us, fulfil your intentions’, after which the violence erupted,” a senior SIT official said.
“Despite being unwell, I appeared before the police. I have full faith in the Constitution and judiciary. I’ve answered all questions asked,” Barq told reporters while leaving the police station.
In what could be a crucial digital trail, the SIT found that multiple WhatsApp groups — created before the riot — were used to mobilise and incite people. Barq admitted to being a member of over 100 WhatsApp groups, but claimed ignorance over their activities. The SIT has now demanded full access to the chat histories, group members, and message content from these groups. Investigators suspect the groups were deliberately used to provoke unrest during the sensitive mosque survey.
“We are using digital forensics to trace who posted what and when. The origin of several inciting messages is being mapped,” a cyber investigation official confirmed.
The context of the November 24 incident adds weight to the conspiracy theory. The district administration had announced a routine survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, believed to be built on disputed land. Tensions had been simmering. On the day of the survey, a violent mob suddenly emerged, catching the administration off guard. “We were pelted with stones. Then came the gunshots. A bullet struck one of our officers. It wasn’t a protest—it was war-like,” recalled an officer present during the incident.
The sudden escalation, police firing, civilian deaths, and involvement of local leaders point to carefully timed planning — something the SIT believes may have been orchestrated using religious influence and political clout.
As if the conspiracy angle wasn’t serious enough, Barq is now also under investigation for alleged illegal construction at his residence. According to officials, a survey of his property was conducted, multiple notices issued, and a fine of Rs 500 was imposed — all of which Barq reportedly ignored.
“His reluctance to cooperate in the housing matter earlier adds to the pattern of non-compliance and disregard for rule of law,” said a source familiar with the municipal records.
SIT in-charge Kuldeep Kumar confirmed that Barq’s statement has been recorded and further interrogation may be scheduled. “If needed, we will call him again. This investigation is evidence-driven. We are building a complete chain of events and communications.”
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