Hindutva group writes to President, PM, HM, CJI  seeking probe into 1978 Sambhal riots.

Right-wing outfit ‘Hindu Shakti Dal’ writes to president, PM, CJI urging probe into 1978 Sambhal riots in Uttar Pradesh. 

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Jan 15, 2025:: On Wednesday, a right-wing organization has petitioned top Indian authorities, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and Union Home Ministry, seeking an investigation into the 1978 Sambhal riots in Uttar Pradesh.

This latest development follows closely on the heels of the Uttar Pradesh Police’s categorical denial of reports suggesting a reinvestigation into the 1978 communal riots in Sambhal, which had resulted in significant loss of life.

The Uttar Pradesh Police recently denied rumors of reopening the investigation into the 1978 Svil communal riots in Sambhal, which resulted in significant loss of life ¹. This denial came after false reports circulated on social media, prompting Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi to clarify that no reinvestigation is underway, labeling the claims as misleading.

As an effect of this, Simran Gupta, the national president of Hindu Shakti Dal, is advocating for a thorough investigation into the violence, claiming that the state and central governments shielded the accused parties at the time. This demand for accountability highlights the need for transparency and justice in addressing past conflicts. Gupta’s stance underscores the importance of uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, rather than being protected by those in power.

“During the riots in Sambhal in 1978, efforts were made to shield the perpetrators, resulting in 48 accused being acquitted. The families of the victims have not received justice to this day,” Gupta told PTI.

Hindu Shakti Dal’s national president, Simran Gupta, urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to initiate an inquiry into the matter. “A comprehensive investigation by the CBI and NIA is crucial to uncover the truth and ensure justice for the victims’ families,” Gupta emphasized.

Hindu Shakti Dal, an organization dedicated to safeguarding Sanatan Dharma, boasts a nationwide membership of approximately 30,000.

Gupta has been involved in several high-profile actions recently, including purchasing six properties in Mumbai previously linked to Dawood Ibrahim, filing a petition about the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, and an ongoing legal effort related to the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The situation in Sambhal escalated on November 24, when violence broke out during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in four deaths and several injuries, including security personnel.

Tensions have been running high, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stating on January 10 that disputed structures should not be referred to as mosques, citing Islamic tenets that prohibit constructing mosques at disputed sites. This development highlights the complex and sensitive nature of these issues, with multiple parties involved and competing interests at play.

According to NDTV,  Sambhal SP confirmed reinvestigation of 1978 Riots causing a  severe decline od Hindu population in Sambhal.

The decline in Hindu population in the post-riots phase, from 45% to 15-20%, is a stark revelation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also pointed out the anti-Hindu bias in previous investigations, which raises concerns about the fairness and impartiality of these probes.
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__Inputs from PTI and NDTV.