Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rahman Barq appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at Nakhasa police station on Tuesday in connection with the Sambhal violence case. The SIT is probing the communal unrest that erupted during a survey at Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024.
Barq, who reached the police station at 11:15 AM accompanied by several advocates, was questioned by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrishchand and Circle Officer (CO) Kuldeep Singh for nearly two and a half hours.
Ahead of his appearance, the MP addressed the media, reiterating his commitment to the legal process.
“I have full faith in the law, the Constitution, and the judiciary. Though I am unwell and have been advised rest by my doctor, I am here today to ensure there is no perception that I am avoiding the investigation,†he said.
The SIT had earlier issued a notice to Barq under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), summoning him to record his statement. The notice was served at his Delhi residence, and the MP had agreed to appear on April 8.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi confirmed that the MP’s statement was recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Security arrangements remain in place as before. The SIT is seeking cooperation from all those named in the case so that the investigation can be completed swiftly and a charge sheet filed in court,†he said.
Barq is accused of delivering an inflammatory speech on November 22, two days before the violence, and of allegedly inciting a crowd. Four people lost their lives in the violence, and several others, including police personnel, were injured. An FIR was registered under case number 335/24, naming MP Zia ur Rahman Barq, Suhail Iqbal—the son of former MLA Iqbal Mahmood—and listing over 800 unidentified individuals.
In a significant development, Zafar Ali Advocate, the chief of the Jama Masjid Committee, informed the SIT that Barq had urged people to gather in protest, stating there was no survey.
His statement has been added to the case file, further complicating the MP’s legal situation.
Ali, was also arrested on March 23 this year on charges of inciting the crowd during the protests that led to the deadly violence. Authorities claim that Ali played a key role in provoking resistance against the survey. His bail hearing was scheduled for April 4 but was postponed due to the unavailability of the case diary, according to his legal counsel.
The police remain on high alert as the investigation continues. The SIT has already questioned several individuals, and more statements are expected to be recorded in the coming days.
