Sambhal: Zia ur Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, who had been accused by the police of inciting violence in the district over a court-ordered survey of a mosque has now been served a show-cause notice by the sub-divisional magistrate for allegedly building a house without securing due clearance.
A notice issued on December 5 under the Uttar Pradesh (Regulation of Building Operations) Act, 1958, has flagged violations of local building norms, stating Barq did not get the building map approved.
District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia confirmed the issuance of the notice, stating that under the regulations, “anyone constructing a house within a regulated area must have the building map approved by authorities.” He added that similar notices have been served to others in the area, and the notice to Barq was issued for “not adhering to the required procedures.”
Officials have warned that further action may follow if the violations are not rectified.
Sambhal violence and accusation against Barq
Sambhal has recently been in the spotlight due to a court-ordered survey of a mosque, which sparked clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest resulted in four deaths and left many injured.
The police and the city administration claimed to have evidence against the MP that he committed “provocative acts” to incite the mob against the authorities.
Four people died in the violence that broke out on November 24, and scores, including 24 police and administrative officials, sustained injuries. The police have arrested 25 people in this connection. Police officials claim Barq’s “Jama Masjid ki hifazat” (protection of Jama Masjid) remark mobilised the mob.
