Ballistic Report States “No Firing From the Police Side” in Sambhal Violence Case

According to the recently released ballistic reports with regard to the Sambhal violence of November 24, 2024, “illegal weapons” were used for firing during the violence. The report came out after a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid and stated there was “no firing from the police side.” 

This, along with the empty shells and firearms recovered after the riots, is the key finding of the ballistic examination. The report, however, is inconclusive about the bullets causing the death of four people, since the bullets “passed through” or exited the bodies after they were shot.

The weapons allegedly used during the violence were recovered from the possession of the accused arrested, while empty shells were found at the spot. Weapons, along with live and empty cartridges, were also allegedly recovered from the spot and from the accused arrested in the case. All this was sent for forensic examinations.

Sambhal Violence

Last year, on November 24, dreadful violence erupted after a large crowd gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district and allegedly clashed with the police forces. This followed a court-ordered survey of the 16th-century mosque. The violence resulted in injuries to several people, including police personnel. The police launched 12 FIRs in connection with the violence and arrested 81 people to date.

Senior police officers told the press that more findings about weapons and cartridges are awaited for final confirmation.