Sambhal incident a conspiracy: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav

As the Lok Sabha resumed functioning on Tuesday, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav raised the Sambhal violence issue in the House, lashing out at the BJP government of Uttar Pradesh and alleging that the survey of a mosque in the district and the subsequent firing and deaths were all part of a conspiracy aimed at disturbing communal harmony.

"Sambhal is known for its harmony. But the sudden incident that has taken place as part of a pre-planned conspiracy... Bullets have been fired at Sambhal's harmony... Those who want to dig everywhere will, one day, lose the brotherhood of the country," Yadav said during the zero hour.



Earlier, SP members staged a brief walkout along with many INDIA bloc allies when Yadav, who wanted to raise the issue before the question hour, was told by the Speaker to do so during the zero hour. Though some SP MPs trooped into the well for a while, other allies didn't join them and the opposition then staged a walkout without disturbing the question hour.

'Slap murder case on police'

Yadav said the decision to put off UP assembly bypolls to November 20 from November 13 was part of the conspiracy. Claiming that the local court allowed a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal without listening to the Muslim side, he said, "On November 19, the survey was conducted, following which it was announced the survey was completed and that the report will be given to the court. Still, another survey was conducted on November 24 during which people gathered to know the reason... Circle officer abused the people gathered there and lathi charge was done. After this, police opened fire with their government and private weapons, during which dozens were injured and five innocents were killed... Murder cases should be slapped on the local police administration staff and they should be suspended."