New Delhi, India: In response to recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, Governor Anandiben Patel has established a three-person Judicial Inquiry Commission to investigate the events surrounding the unrest. This investigation coincides with an upcoming Archaeological Survey of India inspection of a Mughal-era mosque in the area.
Leading the commission is Justice Devendra Kumar Arora, a retired judge from the Allahabad High Court, known for his previous role as chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). He will be joined by Amit Mohan Prasad, a veteran of the Indian Administrative Service, and Arvind Kumar Jain, a former Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police.
The commission is tasked with determining whether the violence was a spontaneous outbreak or a premeditated act. Additionally, it will assess the adequacy of the local administration and police preparations and propose measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Findings are due within two months.
Justice Arora brings a wealth of legal experience to the panel. His career in law began at Lucknow University, followed by a stint in the Allahabad High Court where he served first as an additional judge and later as a regular judge until his retirement in 2019. Right after retiring, he was appointed to head RERA by the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government.
Amit Mohan Prasad’s administrative acumen is highlighted by his LinkedIn profile, showcasing a career that dates back to 1989. He has served as District Magistrate in various districts, where he managed multiple Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. Praised for his forward-thinking policies, Prasad introduced the Direct Benefit Transfer in Agricultural Subsidies in 2015 and was instrumental in developing a cluster model for Covid vaccination early in the pandemic as the Additional Chief Secretary of Medical, Health, and Family Welfare Department.
Arvind Kumar Jain’s policing career peaked when he was appointed the Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police in 2015, shortly before his scheduled retirement. His tenure was subsequently extended, reflecting his critical role in the state’s law enforcement. Jain holds an MA in Modern History from Saharanpur, adding to his deep understanding of the region’s socio-political fabric.
This judicial inquiry is initiated at a critical juncture as the Supreme Court is set to deliberate on a plea by the Committee of Management of Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The plea challenges a recent local court order to survey the mosque, which is linked to the violence that tragically resulted in four fatalities last November 24.
The commission’s investigation into the Sambhal violence aims to shed light on the mechanics of the unrest and provide recommendations to safeguard against future incidents, aspiring to restore peace and order in the region.
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