Zia-ur-Rehman Barq seeks cancellation of FIR and stay on arrest Over sambhal violence

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Allahabad High Court is scheduled to hear a petition filed by Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq on Thursday seeking the cancellation of an FIR and a stay on his arrest in connection with the violence in Sambhal Uttar Pradesh. The violence which erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid resulted in the death of five people and injuries to many including 20 policemen. Barq, who is named as the primary accused has denied all allegations claiming they are politically motivated. He argues that his arrest would cause "irreparable loss" and insists he was not in Sambhal during the incident. Barq maintains he was in Bengaluru at the time and chose to stay in Delhi upon learning of the FIR to prevent further escalation. However, he contends that he contacted community members by phone urging them to keep the peace.

The Sambhal police have accused Barq of making provocative remarks at the mosque in the days leading up to the violence which they claim incited the unrest. The FIR also names Sohail Iqbal the son of local MLA Iqbal Mehmood for his alleged involvement in the incident. Barq in his plea has described the allegations as baseless, arguing they stem from political vendetta by the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government. He asserts that the charges are part of an effort to target him and his party.The violence which involved stone-pelting and arson, was sparked by heightened tensions surrounding claims that the Shahi Jama Masjid was built over a temple, and several police vehicles were damaged. The Sambhal police are expected to present evidence against Barq in court on Thursday.