Allahabad High Court grants bail to Zafar Ali, Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid president

Allahabad High Court grants bail to Zafar Ali, Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid president
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The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Zafar Ali, a lawyer and president of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, arrested in March 2025 after violent protests in November 2024 linked to a controversial mosque survey that caused five deaths, Muslim Mirror reported.

Justice Sameer Jain approved his bail; Ali had been held in Moradabad jail since his arrest by the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team. He was accused of inciting violence during protests and charged under multiple laws.

Police claim Ali helped mobilize protesters after learning about the survey in advance, but local residents and human rights groups argue he was targeted for criticizing police brutality. Witnesses say police fired on unarmed demonstrators amid tensions fueled by a Hindutva mob backing the survey.

Ali held a press conference accusing senior officials of ordering the firing and denied police claims that protesters instigated violence, attributing the unrest to misinformation and fear. He also blamed local magistrates for escalating the situation with threats and abuse. The case raises concerns over the targeting of Muslim leaders and suppression of dissent.