Sambhal: The investigation into 1978 riots in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, which had been closed for decades, has been reopened. Sambhal police and administration have initiated a fresh probe into the case, following a letter from the superintendent of police (SP). The investigation will be completed within a week, according to the SP.
On January 7, Sambhal SP KK Bishnoi sent a letter to District Magistrate (DM) Dr Rajendra Pansiya, informing him about the demand raised by Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council member Shrichandra Sharma. Sharma had requested a reinvestigation into the riots that took place in 1978. In response to this, the UP home secretary and Human Rights police chief sent a letter approving the investigation.
Purpose of reinvestigation
The purpose of this reinvestigation is to identify people who were involved in the riots but whose names were either never revealed or suppressed due to political reasons. Additionally, sources suggest that the administration aims to determine the real number of people who were displaced after the riots.
In December, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also said that 184 people were killed in the 1978 riots and many others lost their homes. Sources indicate that the joint investigation will focus on the actual number of deaths that occurred during the riots, as well as the number of people displaced.
What official records state
The investigation into the 1978 Sambhal riots will be led by SP Shrichandra. In his letter, the SP has requested the DM to nominate an administrative officer to assist in the joint investigation, so that the police and administration can work together and submit a comprehensive report.
Official records from the 1978 riots state that 24 people died, but local residents claim that the true death toll was much higher than what was officially reported.
