Premium

‘Will cooperate’: SP MP as police serve notice at Delhi residence

The development follows the arrest of Zafar Ali, chairman of the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee, on Sunday.

Sambhal violence, Sambhal violence Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, notice to Zia-ur-Rehman , Indian express news, current affairs arq, Lutyens Delhi, Sambhal, Krishan Kumar Bishnoi

Sambhal had been on the edge since the survey team first visited the mosque on November 19, hours after the court admitted a suit filed by eight plaintiffs who alleged that the mosque was built after destroying a “Shri Hari Har Temple”. (PTI Photo)

The Sambhal police on Tuesday reached the Lutyens Delhi residence of Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq to serve him a notice regarding his alleged involvement in the violence that broke out in the Uttar Pradesh town during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 last year, officials said.

“We have served him the notice (at his residence in Western Court). He will make himself available on April 8 after the Parliament session is over,” said Krishan Kumar Bishnoi, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sambhal.

Barq confirmed receiving the notice. “I received the notice last night. I have been asked to get my statement recorded by April 8, and being a responsible citizen, I will do the same within the deadline given to me. The high court has instructed me to cooperate with local police, and I will honour the court’s directives,” Barq told The Indian Express over the phone on Wednesday.

The development follows the arrest of Zafar Ali, chairman of the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee, on Sunday. Barq, Ali, and Sohail Iqbal, the son of six-time Samajwadi Party legislator from Sambhal, Mehmood Iqbal, have been booked for inciting violence, among other charges.

“The police will ask the MP about the calls he had made during or after the violence and with whom he spoke to in that period. His statements will be verified by the police, which is standard legal procedure,” SP Bishnoi said. Asked if the MP could be arrested, Bishnoi said, “It depends on the decision made by the investigator after his statements are recorded and verified.”

Barq was granted a stay on his arrest by the Allahabad High Court on January 3 but the court had refused to quash the FIR registered against him and others at Kotwali police station on the evening of November 24. The court had ruled that the investigation against Barq would continue and instructed him to cooperate with the authorities.

The Sambhal police had registered an FIR on November 24 last year against Barq, Iqbal, and others under sections 1 91(2) (riot), 191(3) (rioting while armed with deadly weapon),190 (unlawful assembly), 221 (obstructing public servant in discharge of his public functions), 132 (use of criminal force), 125 (endanger human life), 324(5) (mischief), 196 (promoting enmity), 223(b) (disobedience to public orders), 326(f) (causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and several sections of Prevention of Damage to Public property Act, 1984.

Story continues below this ad

The MP has also been booked for electricity theft at his residence in Sambhal. An FIR has also been registered against his father, Mumluk Ur Rahman Barq, for allegedly hindering government servants from doing their duty.

Sambhal had been on the edge since the survey team first visited the mosque on November 19 last year, hours after the court admitted a suit filed by eight plaintiffs who alleged that the mosque was built after destroying a ‘Shri Hari Har Temple’. The second day of the survey, November 24, turned violent as stones were pelted at the survey team, following which four people died of gunshot wounds metres away from the mosque.

Neetika Jha

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
lucknow