The chief of the Sambhal Mosque panel in the 2024 violence case

 Zafar Ali, the president of the regulating committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, western Uttar Pradesh, was taken into arrest on Sunday in relation to the violence that broke out on November 24, 2024, during the survey of the mosque, which dates back to the 16th century.

"During the violence last year, we received proof that he was involved in incendiary activities. Before being arrested, he was taken from his Sambhal home and questioned at the Kotwali police station, according to Krishna Kumar, the Sambhal superintendent of police.

Protesters 

Mr. Ali informed reporters he had not promoted violence when he was being arrested. His supporters demanded his immediate release at a demonstration. Given that forces from the Rapid Action Force and the Provincial Armed Constabulary were positioned close to Mr. Ali's residence, which was only a hundred meters away, and around the mosque, action against him had been expected since Sunday morning. (Also Read - Cash recovered at the home of a Delhi High Court judge)

Since last year's violence, Mr. Ali has been in the center of the conflict. He had claimed in a press conference that the Sambhal police had murdered a few persons when they fired rounds to contain the crowd.