Cops put up posters of absconding suspects tied to Sambhal violence

MEERUT/BAREILLY: Police in Sambhal have initiated a 'public awareness campaign' by putting up posters of absconding suspects linked to last year's violence in the city, which claimed five lives. The law enforcement agencies have released an additional poster of a 'key suspect', whose identity is not known but is believed to have instigated the crowd near Shahi Jama Masjid during a court-directed survey in Nov 2024.
The authorities have so far identified 74 suspects, whose images are now visible in public spaces, including walls of Jama Masjid. They are yet to be arrested.
Additional SP Shreesh Chand said, "Data analysed from CCTV footage and other methods revealed the role of at least 74 people in the violence. Their pictures are being displayed throughout the city. Anyone who provides information about the accused will be rewarded."
Despite extensive investigations for over two months, authorities are yet to identify the 'key suspect', who could be purportedly seen in CCTV footage instigating the crowd, leading religious chants and promoting unrest, police sources said. His custody is considered crucial for uncovering what officials believe might be a broader planned incident.
Police are planning to file chargesheets in 12 cases by Feb-end. Total 77 people have been arrested so far.