UP Governor Forms Judicial Probe Panel To Find Out Whether Sambhal Violence Over Mosque ‘Planned Conspiracy’

Sambhal: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel announced the formation of a three-member judicial inquiry commission to probe the November 24 violence in Sambhal during the survey of a mosque.

The commission had been asked to complete its inquiry within two months. Any extension of the deadline would need prior nod from the government. Earlier, at least four had died and scores injured, including cops, after a confrontation erupted over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area. The court had ordered the survey after a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site was filed.

The Governor emphasised that a ‘thorough inquiry’ must be carried out to ‘serve the public interest and ensure transparency.’ The inquiry commission will be led by Justice Devendra Kumar Arora, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court. The other members include Amit Mohan Prasad, a retired IAS officer, and Arvind Kumar Jain, a retired IPS officer.

What will the commission look into?

The commission would find out whether the incident was a spontaneous event or part of a planned criminal consp0iracy. It will also investigate the preparedness of local law enforcement and administration in maintaining order during the event, according to reports.