In a major development, the authorities while investigating the weapons used during the Sambhal violence made shocking revelations that link the Islamist attack with India’s enemy nation, Pakistan. The forensic investigation has uncovered that the perpetrators of the violence used the bullets that were manufactured in Pakistan to attack the police officials.
During a search operation at the Kot Garvi neighborhood, the site of unrest on November 24 during the survey of the so-called Shahi Jama Masjid, police recovered six empty cartridges. Among these, one had the marking “POF,” identifying it as manufactured at the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, while another was traced to the USA.
Shrish Chandra who is the Additional SP mentioned, “On Tuesday, the forensic team arrived at the Kot Garvi neighbourhood, where violence occurred on November 24 during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The team found six cartridges in the drains. One of these empty cartridges was manufactured at the Pakistan Ordnance Factory.”
The forensic team, assisted by the Municipal Corporation, conducted a search operation in the drains at the site, recovering two 9 mm cartridges, two 12-bore, and two 32-bore shell casings. The discovery of foreign-manufactured ammunition has raised significant concerns about potential external influences on the violence.
“One of the 9 mm cartridges is suspected to be made in Pakistan, while another, marked ‘FL with two stars,’ is likely from the USA,” confirmed Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Singh.
Security agencies were immediately alerted following the discovery, and metal detectors were deployed for further investigation.
Sambhal SP stated that two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been formed to probe the violence and the origins of the international cartridges. He emphasized that the recovery of such ammunition is a serious matter and will be thoroughly investigated with the support of central agencies.
Authorities are now delving into the histories of individuals with potential terror links to ascertain any connection to the incident, with national security agencies like the NIA likely to assist in the investigation.
On the 24th of November, the city of Sambal had to face the rampage of the Islamists after the court had asked for an archeological survey of the site which is embroiled in a legal dispute over its religious character as locals have widely asserted that it was the site of HariHar temple which was demolished to illegal built a structure being called as Shahi Jama Masjid. After getting the news of orders of Archeological survey, Islamist unleashed violent attacks injuring over 20 police personnel.
