Daijiworld Media Network - Sambhal

Sambhal, Sep 19: Uttar Pradesh Police have issued a lookout circular (LOC) against alleged gangster Shariq Satha, accused of masterminding last year’s violence near Sambhal’s 16th-century Shahi Jama Masjid that left four people dead and several others, including policemen, injured.

Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said Satha is the “main conspirator” and faces criminal conspiracy charges in five cases, including four of murder. “He is accused of supplying weapons used in the clashes,” Kumar stated.

The November 24 violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the mosque. Investigators allege that Satha, originally from Sambhal’s Deepa Sarai area, operates his gang from Dubai using a fake passport and directs associates to arrange arms for local gangs.

Police said three of Satha’s associates have been arrested. Over 100 people were held in connection with the riots, and chargesheets have been filed in 12 cases, with trials underway in 10.

Authorities revealed Satha has at least 54 criminal cases across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttarakhand, primarily linked to auto theft. A Special Investigation Team probing the incident earlier found an empty cartridge of Pakistani origin, hinting at possible foreign links.