The file on the riots that occurred 46 years ago in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh is set to be reopened. This decision was made following a statement by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the state assembly. The violence took place on 29th March 1978, in Sambhal and lasted for several days. The situation was so severe that a curfew was imposed in the city for two months. A total of 184 people lost their lives and 169 cases were registered.
On 8th January, Moradabad Commissioner Anjaneya Singh asked Sambhal District Magistrate Dr Rajendra Pensia to hand over all records related to the unrest. According to sources, several old cases might be revisited based on complaints from some individuals. Commissioner Anjaneya Singh has also called a meeting regarding the matter. This development indicates that an in-depth investigation and review of the cases related could take place. The investigation report will be submitted in a week.
On 7th January, Sambhal SP (Superintendent of Police) KK Bishnoi wrote a letter to DM Pensia, informing him that Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council member Shrichandra Sharma had demanded a fresh investigation into the 1978 Sambhal riots. The former mentioned receiving a letter from the Deputy Secretary of the Home Affairs and the Superintendent of Police (Human Rights) of Uttar Pradesh in this regard. He added that Sambhal SP Shrish Chandra will oversee the police’s probe in the matter.
The Deputy Secretary of Home Affairs, Satendra Pratap Singh, instructed that action be initiated within one week in response to the notice issued under Rule 115 by Suresh Chandra Sharma.
The SP requested the DM to designate an officer from the administration for a joint administrative inquiry which will enable them to conduct a collaborative probe and submit a comprehensive report. Notably, the official death toll in the 1978 Sambhal riots was reported as 24. However, local residents revealed that the actual number of fatalities was significantly higher than the official figure.
Last month, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also stated that 184 people were killed, and many were rendered homeless during the 1978 riots in Sambhal. According to sources, the joint investigation by the Sambhal police and administration will not only focus on determining the actual death toll from the 1978 riots but also disclose the names of accused involved in the violence who have so far remained unidentified or whose roles were suppressed due to political reasons.
Furthermore, sources suggested that the probe will also aim to uncover the true number of people who were displaced or left homeless as a result of the riots, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of the tragedy. Authorities were recently assaulted by a Muslim mob during their survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid which sparked the controversy and now the truth about the earlier violence will come to light.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police conducted the survey peacefully, following the court’s directives, in his address in the state assembly. He noted that no disturbance transpired during the first two days of the survey.
“The situation deteriorated after the speeches delivered during the Friday prayers on 23rd November and the subsequent events are known to all.” He then added, “An attempt was made to disrupt the atmosphere in Sambhal. Riots have been occurring continuously since 1947. In 1947, one person died, and in 1948, six people were killed. There were riots between 1958 and 1962, and in 1976, five people lost their lives.”
CM Yogi highlighted, “In 1978, 184 Hindus were collectively burned alive, and a curfew was imposed for several months. Riots happened again in 1980-1982, leading to one death each year. In 1986, four people were killed, followed by five deaths between 1990-1992, and two in 1996. This pattern of violence continued.” Taking a jibe at the opposition, the Chief Minister stated, “Since 1947, 209 Hindus have been murdered in Sambhal, yet not a single word has been spoken in support of the innocent victims. Those shedding crocodile tears never said even two words for them.” He further remarked, “The Bajrang Bali temple in Sambhal, which is being uncovered today, was not allowed to open by these people since 1978.”
The probe was ordered after CM Yogi addressed the history of violence in Sambhal during his address in state assembly.
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