Zia Ur Rehman Barq, the Sambhal Member of Parliament who belongs to the Samajwadi Party, was questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday in connection with the violence that broke out during the court-directed survey of the so-called Jama Masjid in Sambhal on November 24, last year.
The interrogation, lasting nearly three hours, took place at Nakhasa police station where Barq arrived around 11:30 a.m. He was accompanied by more than ten legal advisors. The police station saw heightened security and media presence during his visit. Barq’s appearance followed summons issued by the SIT after his name was mentioned during the interrogation of Zafar Ali, the head of the mosque committee, who is already under arrest.
Zafar Ali, according to reports, claimed in his confession that Barq had called him a day before the violence broke out. The claimed phone conversation, which is now a major aspect of the probe, has compelled the SIT to subject Barq’s potential role to very close scrutiny.
Officials said that the MP was questioned about his communications, presence in the area, and awareness of the events that transpired during the court survey.
#WATCH | Sambhal, UP: SIT in-charge, Kuldeep Kumar says, “He (MP Zia ur Rehman Barq) was called today in connection with the violence that took place on 24 November 2024. He was questioned, and his statement was recorded. He was questioned for about 2.5-3 hours. If needed, we… https://t.co/g2rXGGaY6l pic.twitter.com/CgUPT2tAvO
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2025
Inside the interrogation room, SIT officers reportedly pressed Barq with pointed questions. Investigators sought clarity on how a large crowd—numbering between 700 to 800—assembled so swiftly, and whether there was prior coordination between him and the accused already in custody.
One of the most serious allegations in the FIR is a claim that during the unrest, one instigator shouted, “MP Barq is with us, fulfill your intentions,” just before violence escalated, including stone-pelting and gunfire. A senior officer was injured during the incident.
“I’ve responded to all questions asked of me,” Barq said after facing SIT questions.
#WATCH | Sambhal, UP: Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia ur Rehman Barq, leaves from Sambhal Kotwali. He appeared before SIT today in connection with the Sambhal violence case https://t.co/oNSh4H7VpJ pic.twitter.com/9Q6H0IuLWt
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2025
Circle Officer Asmoli and SIT in-charge Kuldeep Singh confirmed that Barq’s statement has been officially recorded and that he could be called again if further clarifications are needed. Authorities insisted all possible angles are being considered under the continued investigation.
Aside from the brutality, authorities are also now probing illegal building activities associated with Zia Ur Rehman Barq. A different municipal survey was reportedly done at one of his properties, which resulted in fines and notices issued. However, Barq has thus far refused direct comments on these infractions.
The SIT inquiry has widened in scope, and sources say other political leaders may be drawn into the inquiry as evidence unfolds.
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Barq, a senior leader of Samajadi Party in western Uttar Pradesh, is facing mounting legal and political heat. As the investigation goes on, the broader implications of this case may have reverberations beyond Sambhal.
