After violence erupted in Sambhal over a survey of Sambhal Jama Masjid, nearly 1,000 Muslim homes remain locked as residents have fled the area, fearing potential arrests or police actions. The violence has disproportionately affected Muslim communities, with many of the targeted areas, including Hindpura, Kot Garvi Nakhasa, and Deepa Sarai, being predominantly Muslim.
The affected homes remain locked as their owners have not returned, and police teams have been dispatched to verify reports that many of the residents have gone to Delhi.
“Around 1,000 houses remain locked as residents have not returned. We are assuring everyone that no action will be taken against the innocent,” said Krishna Kumar, the Sambhal Superintendent of Police.
Some locals have posted notices on their doors explaining their absence, including one family that provided a medical report stating they had gone to Delhi for cancer treatment. There are growing concerns among the Muslim community that they are being unfairly targeted by the authorities. Many feel increasingly vulnerable due to the ongoing tension, with accusations that Muslim neighbourhoods are being disproportionately focused on in the aftermath of the violence.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government is assessing the damages caused by the violence. A senior official indicated that notices will be sent to the accused for damage recovery once a charge sheet is filed next week.
So far, Sambhal police have arrested 76 individuals in connection with the violence and are seeking 86 others believed to have been involved. The ongoing arrests and police actions have raised fears within the Muslim community that they are being specifically targeted.