Meerut, Uttar Pradesh – The National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against Mulla Afroz, identified as the alleged mastermind behind last year’s communal violence in Sambhal, in a decisive move aimed at maintaining public order and preventing a recurrence of such incidents. The violence, which erupted over a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in the district, left several civilians and police personnel injured and has been a subject of intense scrutiny by law enforcement agencies. Authorities have also indicated that NSA proceedings will be initiated against Afroz’s associates, Ghulam and Waris, who were allegedly involved in firing during the unrest.

According to the official statement, the decision to invoke the NSA was made with a focus on public safety. “In view of maintaining public order and preventing recurrence of such incidents, action under the National Security Act has been taken against Mulla Afroz,” said officials. Ghulam and Waris, both closely linked to Afroz, will undergo similar proceedings as part of the ongoing investigation into the Sambhal violence.

The Sambhal incident was triggered by tensions surrounding a court-ordered survey of the historic Mughal-era mosque in the district. During the unrest, Afroz, Ghulam, and Waris allegedly opened fire using foreign-made firearms. This violent outbreak resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including Ayaan from Kotgarhi, Naeem, Kaif from Turtipur Ilha, Bilal from Saray Tarin, and Roman from Hayatnagar. While Roman’s family chose not to press charges and buried him, the police registered four separate murder cases in the aftermath of the incident.

Superintendent of Police (SP) KK Bishnoi highlighted the role of Afroz as the key instigator behind the chaos. “Mulla Afroz played a central role in inciting the mob and encouraging attacks on law enforcement. His actions directly led to the deaths of four civilians and injuries to 29 police personnel,” Bishnoi stated. The violence began from Jama Masjid and quickly spread to Hindupura Kheda, turning the area into a volatile flashpoint and creating widespread fear among residents. Both the District Magistrate (DM) and the SP were attacked during the riots, underscoring the scale and intensity of the unrest.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the incident traced the involvement of the Shariq Satha gang, a notorious criminal organization, in supplying arms and ammunition to Afroz and his associates. Police recovered several pistols and foreign cartridges during the arrests, which corroborated the SIT’s findings. During interrogations, Afroz and his associates reportedly revealed that the weapons were procured through Shariq Satha, a well-known figure in organized crime with connections to international criminal networks.

Further investigations revealed that Satha is considered one of India’s most notorious vehicle thieves and maintains links with Dawood Ibrahim’s gang and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI. According to Delhi Police records, Satha was previously arrested for distributing counterfeit currency, allegedly supplied by the ISI. Following his release on bail, he reportedly fled abroad using a fake passport and is currently believed to be operating from Dubai. Authorities have since issued a lookout notice to track his movements and bring him to justice.

The Sambhal police have also identified the tactical objectives of the gang, which, according to reports, involved orchestrating violence to force authorities to impose a curfew and create a climate of fear in the region. The investigation indicates a well-planned effort to destabilize public order, using a combination of armed confrontation and intimidation of law enforcement personnel. The involvement of foreign-made firearms added to the severity of the incident, raising concerns about the availability of illegal weapons in the region and the need for heightened security measures.

Mulla Afroz was arrested on January 20 and has remained in judicial custody since then. The formal charge sheet in the case was filed on April 23, after months of investigation by the SIT. Bishnoi confirmed that NSA action has been taken against Afroz and will soon be extended to Ghulam and Waris, reinforcing the government’s determination to hold all key players accountable under stringent security laws.

The decision to invoke the NSA is significant because it allows authorities to take preventive action against individuals deemed a threat to public order, including detention without the requirement of immediate trial. In Sambhal, the application of the NSA underscores the serious nature of the violence and the perceived ongoing threat posed by Afroz and his associates. Law enforcement officials believe that such measures are necessary to deter similar incidents and restore confidence among residents of the district.

Communal violence of this scale in Sambhal has had a lasting impact on the local community. Beyond the tragic loss of life, it disrupted daily life, threatened property, and strained relations between communities. The aggressive response from police, including the arrests and NSA invocation, is intended not only to punish those responsible but also to signal a zero-tolerance policy toward organized attempts to destabilize the region.

Authorities have emphasized the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between intelligence agencies, local police, and administrative authorities to prevent further escalation. Measures being discussed include enhanced surveillance, stricter monitoring of individuals with criminal and communal links, and coordinated efforts to track illegal arms and ammunition networks. The incident has also prompted calls for more robust mechanisms to counter criminal gangs with international connections.

While the NSA action is a critical step, officials have cautioned that it is part of a larger, ongoing strategy to maintain law and order in sensitive areas. Afroz, Ghulam, and Waris’s association with criminal networks highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and proactive measures to detect and prevent organized acts of violence before they escalate into larger conflicts.

The Sambhal case also sheds light on the broader challenges faced by law enforcement in regions prone to communal tensions. It illustrates the complex intersection of historical, social, and criminal factors that can lead to violent outbreaks and underscores the need for meticulous investigation, strategic intervention, and strong legal measures. By invoking the NSA, authorities aim to ensure that those responsible are not only punished but also prevented from instigating further unrest, thereby safeguarding public peace.

In conclusion, the invocation of the National Security Act against Mulla Afroz and the planned proceedings against his associates Ghulam and Waris represent a firm and decisive response by the Uttar Pradesh government to last year’s Sambhal violence. With connections to the Shariq Satha gang and international criminal networks, the accused pose a serious threat to public order, and authorities are taking comprehensive measures to neutralize this threat. The proactive use of the NSA, coupled with ongoing investigations and surveillance, aims to restore confidence among residents and prevent any recurrence of similar incidents in the future.