The recent killing of five Muslims in Sambhal has sparked outrage, with fingers pointing in multiple directions. Among those accused is the just-retired chief justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud. While his role is pivotal, let us first focus on those directly responsible — the individuals currently in power, and institutions mandated to uphold the law, ensure public safety, and protect the lives of all citizens.

The Sambhal administration claims that the victims were not killed by police bullets, but this assertion contradicts the testimony of a police circle officer (DSP) who admitted to opening fire on agitated Muslims. Blame lies with the civil administration and police officers who allowed a mob to march to the Shahi Jama Masjid shouting inflammatory slogans. Their actions exacerbated an already tense situation; instead of calming tempers, they stoked the flames.

The mosque ‘survey’ also warrants scrutiny. A local civil judge ordered the survey without seeking a response from the mosque committee — an obvious breach of due process. Lawyers and jurists were shocked by the haste of the proceedings. The survey was to be completed in just seven days, and within hours of the order, work began, with senior officials in attendance. This kind of alacrity is unheard of in such cases, and it gave the impression of a coordinated effort to provoke.

Even more troubling is the follow-up survey on 24 November, mobs in tow with........

© National Herald