NSA Invoked Against Mastermind of 2023 Sambhal Mosque Survey Violence: A Comprehensive Report

Afroz was apprehended on January 19 and subsequently placed in judicial custody.

Sambhal, UP:

Authorities on Wednesday implemented the stringent National Security Act against the alleged orchestrator of last year's communal violence that erupted over a court-mandated survey of a Mughal-era mosque in the district.

Mulla Afroz, currently imprisoned, has been charged under the NSA following a directive issued by the district magistrate on October 13. Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi confirmed this enforcement action.

The NSA grants both the Centre and states the authority to detain individuals to prevent actions considered "prejudicial to the defense of India." While the maximum detention period extends to 12 months, it may be revoked earlier.

Local administration can invoke this act, which requires ratification by a board headed by a former high court judge. As it constitutes preventive detention rather than arrest, there exists no legal requirement to present the detainee before a court of law.

Tensions had been escalating in Sambhal since November 19 last year, when the court-ordered examination of the Shahi Jama Masjid was conducted following assertions that a Harihar temple previously existed at the location.

On November 24, during a second phase of the survey, protestors clashed with security personnel, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries.

Police investigations revealed that Mulla Afroz played a significant role in provoking the mob. Authorities identified him as the "mastermind" behind the incident, claiming he incited others to attack police forces.

The violent confrontation led to four civilian deaths allegedly resulting from gunfire by Afroz and his associates, according to police statements.

Afroz was detained on January 19 and remanded to judicial custody.

Officials stated that while his bail application remained pending before the Allahabad High Court, intelligence reports indicated he might attempt to orchestrate similar violence upon release.

"To maintain public order and prevent recurrence of such incidents, action under the National Security Act has been implemented against Mulla Afroz," an official statement declared.

The detention order under the NSA was officially delivered to him on October 14 at the Moradabad district jail, police further noted.