Zafar Ali was arrested on March 23 following an investigation into the violence that erupted on November 24 last year. The unrest took place during a protest against a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid.
A local court on Thursday refused to grant interim bail to Shahi Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali. The court has now scheduled the hearing for his regular bail plea on April 2, according to officials.
Additional district judge II, Nirbhay Narayan Rai, dismissed Zafar Ali’s interim bail request after hearing arguments from both the defense and the prosecution.
Additional district government counsel, Hariom Prakash Saini, stated, “The court denied relief and set April 2 for the next hearing.”
During the proceedings, Ali’s lawyer argued in favor of granting him interim bail. However, the prosecution strongly opposed the request, stating that Ali faced serious charges. These include inciting violence, gathering a mob, damaging public property, and providing false information. Based on these accusations, the court decided not to grant interim bail.
Zafar Ali was arrested on March 23 following an investigation into the violence that erupted on November 24 last year. The unrest took place during a protest against a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid. On the same day, a Chandausi court denied his bail and sent him to Moradabad Jail under two-day judicial custody.
Ali is facing multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The sections under which he has been booked include:
- Section 191(2) and 191(3) – Rioting
- Section 190 – Unlawful Assembly
- Section 221 – Obstructing a Public Servant
- Section 125 – Endangering Life or Personal Safety
- Section 132 – Assault on a Public Servant
- Section 196 – Promoting Enmity
- Section 230 – Fabricating False Evidence for Capital Punishment
- Section 231 – Fabricating False Evidence for Life Imprisonment
Additionally, Ali has been charged under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Zafar Ali has denied all allegations, claiming that he has been falsely accused. His elder brother, Tahir Ali, alleged that the police deliberately jailed him before he could give his testimony to the judicial panel.
Tahir Ali said, “The police deliberately arrested him before his testimony could be recorded.”
Background
The violent clashes broke out on November 24, 2023, in Sambhal’s Kot Garvi locality. The protest was against a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid, which has been at the center of a legal dispute. A petition was filed claiming that the mosque was built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple.
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During the violence, four people lost their lives, and several others were injured. In response to the incident, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a panel to investigate the violence and determine the cause of the unrest.
With the court rejecting his interim bail, Zafar Ali will remain in judicial custody. His regular bail plea is set for a hearing on April 2. Until then, legal proceedings will continue as authorities review the evidence and arguments from both sides.
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