Sambhal violence case: HC stays order to register FIR against police personnel

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday stayed an order by a Sambhal court directing registration of an FIR against several police personnel for allegedly firing into a crowd during communal violence in the city in November 2024.

On January 9, the court in Chandausi in Sambhal district had ordered the registration of an FIR against former Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary, Sambhal Kotwali in-charge Anuj Tomar, and other unidentified police personnel in connection with the violence. Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Vibhanshu Sudheer passed the order on a petition filed by Yameen, whose son was injured during the unrest.

The complainant alleged that his son, Alam, was selling rusk on his makeshift cart near the Shahi Jama Masjid on the morning of November 24, 2024, when some police personnel fired into the crowd with the intention to kill. Mr. Tomar and Mr. Chaudhary were named in the petition as respondents.

The violence, which claimed five lives, broke out on the second day of a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid when protesters clashed with police personnel.

Observing that firing upon a person cannot be considered a discharge of official duties, the court found prima facie cognisable offence against the police personnel. It ordered registration of an FIR, stating that the truth could only be unearthed through a proper investigation. 

On January 20, the CJM  was transferred to Sultanpur as Civil Judge.

Tuesday’s order was passed by Justice Samit Gopal while hearing a petition filed by the policemen challenging the FIR order. The High Court has posted the matter for further hearing on February 24.