A 450-page report prepared on the violence in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, has described the riots as pre-planned. The report includes the causes of violence, the administration's role, and suggestions for the future. It will first be presented to the state cabinet.
Sambhal: A detailed report of approximately 450 pages prepared on the violence that occurred in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on November 24, 2024, has been submitted to the Chief Minister. This report will first be presented before the state cabinet. After receiving approval from the cabinet, it will be presented in the House during the upcoming assembly session. The report highlights the pre-planning of the violence, administrative lapses, and intelligence failures.
The report includes a detailed account of the entire sequence of violence, affected areas, the number of victims, and the administrative response. It also states that the possibility of a communal and political conspiracy behind the violence cannot be ignored.
Decline in Hindu Population in Sambhal Region
The report states that the Hindu population in the Sambhal municipal area was 45% in 1947, which has now reduced to 15% in 2025. This means that the Hindu population has decreased by approximately 30% over the last 78 years. Furthermore, the report also mentions that the Sambhal region has become a hub for terrorists and illegal activities, and a total of 15 riots have occurred here since independence.
According to the report, the violence on November 24 was pre-planned and conspiratorial. It has been deemed a conspiracy hatched by MP Zia-ur-Rehman Bark, son of MLA Suhail Iqbal, and officials of the Jama Masjid Management Committee.
Violence Escalated Due to Leak of Survey Information
The report mentions that the leakage of survey information is also among the reasons behind the violence. The administration had provided survey information to the management of Sambhal Jama Masjid, which led to it becoming a center for illegal weapons and narcotics. This very place became the main center of the violence.
The report includes a complete description of previous riots, casualties, administrative actions, and the situation after the riots. Additionally, the report mentions that some individuals involved in the violence have previously been involved in local disputes.
Allegations of Inciting Violence Against MP and Other Leaders
According to the report, on November 22, 2024, MP Zia-ur-Rehman Bark delivered a provocative speech while addressing the congregants. He said, "We are the owners of this country… Hey, we are not servants, slaves. There was a mosque, there is a mosque, and it will remain. We will not let what happened in Ayodhya happen here."
The report clarifies that the MP, the MLA's son, and the Jama Masjid management committee officials played a key role in inciting the violence. Furthermore, it was also stated that during the speech, a plan was made to provoke the crowd and disregard administrative orders.
Administrative Lapses in Sambhal Violence
The report also mentions serious lapses by the administration and intelligence agencies during the violence. Due to the lack of timely warnings and security arrangements, the crowd resorted to violent actions.
Experts say that the report clarifies that if the administration had increased security and surveillance beforehand, the violence and loss of life could have been significantly prevented. The report also includes suggestions for strict administrative measures, increased security, and community dialogue to deal with similar situations in the future.
