The Uttar Pradesh government has asked for a fresh probe into the 1978 riots in Sambhal and directed the police to submit their report within a week. In a letter sent to the SP, the Deputy Secretary of the Home (Police) Department had appointed an ASP to lead the probe.
Apart from this, the SP also wrote to the District Magistrate requesting him to get an administrative officer appointed for joint investigation.
On January 7, Sambhal SP KK Bishnoi wrote a letter to Sambhal District Officer Dr Rajendra Pensia and informed that UP Legislative Council member Shrichandra Sharma demanded an inquiry into the 1978 riots in Sambhal. On this, he has received a letter from UP's Deputy Secretary of Home and Superintendent of Police (Human Rights). In such a case, police involvement will come through Sambhal SP Shrichandra. As reported, 1978 Sambhal riots have caused tremendous communal unrest as huge violence broke out, numerous incidents of arson and displacement of many Hindu families have been caused in the town. Survivors also claimed that the riots took many lives from Hindus and most had to flee from the place.
This renewed interest in the riots comes shortly after the reopening of the ancient Kartik Mahadev Temple in Sambhal, which had been closed for 46 years. The temple was reopened after a violent incident that occurred during a survey at Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024.
Former residents who had fled the place due to the riots spoke about their terrible experiences and were welcoming the reopening of the temple, which they feel is a step toward justice and reconciliation. The joint investigation is aimed at highlighting the events of 1978 and holding accountable the violence.
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