Mohammad Waris Charged Under NSA as Sambhal Clash Probe Nears Report Release

As the investigation report on the Sambhal violence of 24 November 2024 approaches public disclosure, the Uttar Pradesh government has placed Mohammad Waris under the National Security Act. Waris is accused of being the chief architect of the unrest that erupted during a survey at Shahi Jama Masjid.

Police claim Waris, who has been connected to the Sharik Satha syndicate based in Dubai since 2012, supplied the illegal firearms used in the melee that claimed two lives. The probe also highlights collaboration between Waris, Mulla Afroz and Mohammad Gulam, all alleged to have conspired under the direction of the Sharik Satha network.

The NSA had previously been applied to Afroz and Gulam in the same case. Waris was arrested on 25 January 2025. Shortly after, Afroz and ten others were taken into custody, while Gulam was captured at the Sambhal bus stand on 20 February 2025.

Overall, the authorities have lodged twelve criminal complaints, apprehended 138 rioters, and the Special Investigation Team has filed a comprehensive 4,025‑page charge sheet in six major cases, naming political figures and community leaders alongside Waris.