Sambhal Violence: Accused Who Shot at CO Arrested in Delhi Before Court Surrender

In a major breakthrough, police arrested Salim, the key accused in the Sambhal violence case, who had shot at Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary during the riots at Jama Masjid. After the incident, Salim fled Sambhal and was hiding in Delhi's Seelampur. He was apprehended just before he could surrender in the Sambhal court.

History of the Accused

Salim, a history-sheeter from Sambhal Sadar Kotwali, was recovered with a 12-bore firearm, five live cartridges, and one spent shell. The police said that during the riots, Salim looted cartridges and used them to fire at the police. He faces charges of attempted murder, robbery, rioting, and cow slaughter already.

Progress in the Case

With Salim's arrest, the total number of arrests in connection with the Sambhal riots has risen to 52. Another accused, Shahbaz alias Tilan, was also arrested. Both the accused were produced before the court and sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

Background of the Violence

The riots flared when a court-appointed commission started its survey at Jama Masjid. In the rioters' resistance, the police was attacked with stones and sticks where five died including injured CO Anuj Chaudhary and others. Police have so far lodged seven FIRs against 2,750 unidentified rioters, whom they have caught on camera in the CCTV evidence.