The alleged mastermind behind the devastating 2024 Sambhal violence has been located overseas, and Indian authorities are now working closely with intelligence agencies and Interpol to bring him back for trial. Police confirmed on Thursday, October 16, 2025, that efforts for his extradition are in full swing.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, the accused, Sharik Sata, and his accomplices meticulously orchestrated the violence on November 24 of last year. This horrific incident coincided with the second survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to the tragic deaths of four individuals and leaving 29 police officers injured.
SP Bishnoi stated that Sharik Sata is currently outside the country. Law enforcement is exhaustively tracing his former contacts in India and has enlisted the support of intelligence agencies to pinpoint his exact whereabouts. Once confirmed, he will be extradited to India through established Interpol procedures, though the specific country of his hiding place was not disclosed.
Investigators are meticulously reviewing the call records of individuals associated with Sharik to determine his current country of refuge, the SP added.
Meanwhile, Mulla Afroz, an alleged associate of Sharik Sata already incarcerated in Moradabad jail, has been charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), as confirmed by SP Bishnoi.
The NSA grants both central and state governments the authority to detain individuals to prevent actions deemed ‘prejudicial to India’s defense.’ While the maximum detention is 12 months, it can be rescinded sooner. This powerful act can be invoked by local authorities and requires ratification by a board led by a former High Court judge. Notably, as it’s a form of preventive detention rather than a typical arrest, there’s no legal requirement to present the detainee before a court.
SP Bishnoi further highlighted Afroz’s extensive criminal record, which includes 11 cases involving grave offenses such as robbery and murder. He was also implicated in a 2014 shooting incident outside the home of sitting Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood.
The SP also indicated that all other individuals found to have been involved in planning and inciting the Sambhal violence will similarly face charges under the NSA.
The roots of the Sambhal conflict trace back to November 19, 2024. On this date, Hindu petitioners, including prominent advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain, initiated a lawsuit in the Sambhal district court, asserting that the Shahi Jama Masjid was constructed on the site of a former temple.
A court-ordered survey took place on November 19, followed by a second survey on November 24, which tragically escalated into the aforementioned violence.